Bay Minette, Robertsdale to hold Independence Day observances

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On Thursday, July 4, people throughout the nation will pause to celebrate this country’s independence, including observances in the city of Bay Minette (July 3) and the city of Robertsdale.
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress completed and signed the Declaration of Independence, after voting on July 2 to declare that “the 13 American colonies were no longer subject (and subordinate) to the monarch of Britain and were now united, free and independence states.” (Wikipedia.org)
In 1870, the U.S. Congress voted to give all federal employees an unpaid holiday on July 4. Congress would later change Independence Day to a paid holiday in 1938.
On June 12, Gov. Kay Ivey sent out a notice, declaring a state holiday on Friday, July 5, as well, stating that: “All state offices will be closed on Friday, July 5, except for those areas that are essential to maintain personnel. Those employees who must work that day should be allowed time off as soon thereafter as possible.”
The Baldwin County Commission, as well as municipal councils in Bay Minette, Robertsdale, Loxley and Silverhill, have also voted to close Thursday and Friday, July 4-5, except for offices with essential personnel.


Observances in Bay Minette and Robertsdale include:

Bay Minette
The Bay Minette Rotary Club will once again sponsor a fireworks show on Wednesday, July 3. With the construction of the new Bay Minette Elementary School, the display will be moving to a new location.
The fireworks display will take place from the new Sports Complex at 1310 W. 13th St. There will be parking available at the complex and the parking lots at Bay Minette Middle and Baldwin County High schools.
Concessions will be open at the sports complex and school groups will be selling water and watermelon in the BCHS student parking area.
For more information call city hall at 251-580-1619 or visit cityofbayminette.org.

Robertsdale
The city of Robertsdale will kick off its fireworks celebration beginning at 9 p.m. Thursday, July 4 at Garrett Park, corner of Pennsylvania and Park Street.
The city will also host a dedication ceremony with the Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce for the newly renovated Honeybee Park with a short ceremony beginning at 4 p.m., followed by ice cream served at the new park pavilion.
Park improvements include the installation of new sidewalks, designed to increase booth space for the annual Honeybee Festival. Existing sidewalks which surround the park have also been removed and replaced.
Brick columns surround the park, along with a brick entranceway at the south end of the park and the pavilion, which is located on the east side in the middle of the park. Additional improvements include landscaping, additional parking and restroom facilities.
The city also has plans for the removal and relocation of the city’s Utilities Barn. The area will be used for an amphitheater which will feature local entertainment, with additional parking and restroom facilities surrounding the structure.
For more information call Robertsdale City Hall at 251-947-8900 or visit Robertsdale.org.