Historic Norcross Sparkles on July 3rd

07.07.2010

July 3rd was by all reports a sparkling success in Downtown Historic Norcross, as crowds came for the city's annual Pre-Fourth celebration. Thrasher Park festivities began at 4pm, with pony rides, miniature train rides, music, and a wide assortment of kids' games and activities. The fun spilled over into downtown's main streets, which were lined with vendors hawking festive wares, services and even more entertainment.

For the first time, the new Lillian Webb Park was available for the event - live music began at 4:30 with "The Stephen Lee Band", continuing into the evening with "The Woody's" going onstage at 7:30pm. At dusk, the skies began exploding with a vivid fireworks show that regaled crowds. According to Norcross' Chief of Police, Dallas Stidd, between 12,000 to 15,000 people filled the downtown streets and parks. While the crowds were obviously huge, use of the new park made them more dispersed than in years past. According to more than one visitor, this made the event "less overwhelming and more relaxing" despite the large attendance, and afforded a greater number of people unobstructed views of the fireworks.

The Norcross Business Association (NBA) is the event's annual host, supported in large part by the City of Norcross. Using profits made by renting space to event vendors, the NBA is able to support other community events throughout the year. According to Rachel Cook, NBA member and manager of The Bank of North Georgia, "The funds we raise go back into the community. For instance, using profits from the Pre-Fourth event the NBA is able to be an annual sponsor of the Corners to Crossing event. We've supported Sustainable Norcross by sponsoring the recycling containers, some funds are given to the downtown merchants for projects, and the local schools benefit, too. It's all about supporting our community."

For more information about the NBA, and how to join or support additional events, visit their website at www.norcrossbusinessassociation.org. For a full list of events in the City of Norcross and the downtown historic district, visit www.aplacetoimagine.com.