Fireworks to Soar, Explode Over Alpharetta on July 4th

UPDATED 2:20 p.m.: More July 4th events have been added, such as the Fourth of July Bluegrass Concert at Matilda's Cottage.

Alpharetta and Milton residents have several local opportunities to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday, starting with a walking parade in Milton and ending with fireworks in two Alpharetta locations.

Crabapple will be the scene for the first holiday event, with the Crabapple Community Association's annual Walking Parade. Participants begin gathering at 8:45 a.m. for the 9:30 a.m. parade start.

Park at the or Strawberry Fields, and walk to McFarlin Lane where the parade starts. Those with disability placards may park at the John Weiland Model Trailer on McFarlin Lane.

The half-mile parade heads toward , and generally includes a loop to give parents multiple times to get that perfect photo of their patriotic child.

Independence Day at Wills Park

Inflatables, face painting and Games 2 U provide fun for the kids from 5-8 p.m. on the lawn behind the in . Food vendors will provide hot dogs, pizza, ice, lemonade and other treats. The Alpharetta City Band and Serious Business, a local country and classic rock band, begin performances at 6 p.m. Fireworks start at dusk.

Fourth of July Bluegrass Concert at Matilda's

The concert starts at 7 p.m. at in Alpharetta. Bring a picnic or eat barbecue. Then watch the Wills Park fireworks celebration. The cost is $15. Make reservations via email to Matilda's Cottage.

All-American Celebration at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will continue its tradition of celebrating the Fourth of July with an All-American Celebration at — the Orchestra’s summer home — at 8 p.m.

Guest conductor David Abell, joined by Broadway vocalist and Tony Award winner Debbie Gravitte, will lead the Orchestra and U.S. Army Chorus in a program of patriotic sing-alongs and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. The 94th Airlift Wing Dobbins Base Honor Guard will also join the Orchestra at the beginning of the concert to Present The Colors. The evening will conclude with a post-concert finale featuring fireworks produced by Pyrotecnico.

A longer list of celebrations outside of Alpharetta and Milton, but still in the area, will be posted soon. Let me know what celebrations for which you need more information.