Fireworks! from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

It is arguably the most American of holidays – the day we celebrate the founding of the United States.

While some of us may crave the rockets’ red glare of July 4th fireworks, there are a many other ways in Alabama – from watching minor league baseball to visiting a veterans cemetery – to recognize and honor the history and culture of our country this Independence Day, and acknowledge the sacrifices made by so many in defense of the nation.

Here’s a list of some of the July 4^th weekend happenings, and some places across Alabama to view and reflect on our nation’s history, culture and legacy:

July 4^th weekend events

Hwy 80 Songwriters Fest – July 3, Downtown Demopolis. Several singer-songwriters will perform. Food vendors and children’s activities. Call 601-880-1089 or visit here for more information.

Jax-Fest— July 3, Jacksonville Community Center and Jacksonville High School football stadium. Music, games, vendors, activities, and a firework display. Call 256-435-8115 or visit here for more information.

Grand Bay Watermelon Festival – July 3-4, Grand Bay. Enjoy a weekend of family fun, arts & crafts, family entertainment, free sliced ice-cold watermelon, entertainment, and food. Also planned are an open car show and a “Pretty Baby” contest.

Spirit of America Festival – July 4, Point Mallard Park in Decatur. The event includes children’s activities, entertainment, food, games, music, a Battle of the Bands and fireworks. Call 800-232-5449 for more information.

Fourth of July Boat Parade – Lakeside Marina, Lake Harris, Wedowee.  Enjoy a day in the sun while viewing boats and watercrafts decorated with patriotic themes. Call 256-276-7959 or visit here.

Independence Day events, American Village – July 4, Montevallo – A variety of educational activities, performances and kids’ activities throughout the day. Admission $5 per person. Veterans, active duty military and children under age 5 admitted free.

From baseball to battle sites

Montgomery Biscuits vs. Biloxi Shuckers – July 4 at Montgomery’s Riverwalk Stadium.  The game begins at 6:35 p.m., followed by fireworks (like in the above video). Call 334-323-2255 or visit the Biscuits site for more information.

Birmingham Barons vs. Tennessee Smokies – July 4 at Birmingham’s Regions Field. The game begins at 6 p.m. Call 205-988-3200 or visit the Barons site for more information.

Mobile BayBears vs. Pensacola Blue Wahoos – July 4. The game begins at 7:05 p.m.  at Mobile’s Hank Aaron Stadium.  Call 251-479-2327 or visit the BayBears site for information.

Horseshoe Bend National Military Park – Daviston. Site of the bloody battle in 1814 that ended the Creek war and made Andrew Jackson a national hero. Guided tours, hiking, horseback riding, and other activities.  Call 256-234-7111 for more information.

Fort Morgan – West of Gulf Shores, where Mobile Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico. A strategic military outpost, from the War of 1812 through the Civil War and into the 20^th century. Call 251-540-5257 for more information.

Honoring our veterans

Alabama National Cemetery – Montevallo. Pay respects to those who served our nation at the state’s newest national cemetery. Just down the road from American Village and its Independence Day events. Call 205-665-9039 for more information.

Mobile National Cemetery – 1202 Virginia Street, Mobile.  On the National Register of Historic Places, the cemetery was established in 1865 after the Port of Mobile fell into Union hands. In addition to Civil War dead, the cemetery also has a number of Apache graves. The Apaches died while being held at Mt. Vernon Barracks in Mobile after the surrender of the Apache nation. Among those buried here is Chappo, son of Apache leader Geronimo.