By Morgan Bryce
Associate Editor

The 66th annual “Freedom Celebration,” hosted by the Opelika Parks and Recreation Department, will be held July 3 at Opelika High School, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Free and open to the public, the event draws thousands annually and is one of the city’s most important traditions, according to OPR Public Relations Coordinator Laura-Leigh Chesser.
“I think people choose to live in Opelika because it is a small town where you know your neighbors and you really feel a sense of community As with any holiday or celebration, you want to be with those closest to you and and share the fun with others, (and) the Freedom Celebration offers the perfect environment to do that,” Chesser said. “We provide a large space where you can mingle with your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers. There’s no planning, cleaning house or cooking food. People can just show up with their family and a quilt and kick back and enjoy music, skydivers and fireworks. You really can’t beat that. It’s a great atmosphere, and you’re bound to have a great time.”
An evening that will include family fun, food, games, (and) the show-stopping events will be the delivery of the American flag by the Silver Wings Parachute Teams and the area’s largest fireworks show following at dusk.
Parking will be available on the grounds of the high school, Southern Union State Community College and Winn Dixie.
For more information, visit www.opelika.org/opr. OHS is located at 1700 Lafayette Parkway.