Henry Daily Herald

Photo by Jim Zachary Patriotic McDonough residents take in the Ice Cream Social on the Square during 4th of July celebrations Wednesday.

By Jim Zachary, jzachary@news-daily.com

McDONOUGH — Nine-month-old Hunter Ray Johnson celebrated his first 4th of July with a mouth full of ice cream as he and his family enjoyed the McDonough Ice Cream Social on the square, Wednesday evening.

A couple hundred residents turned out for the patriotic event, hosted by Mayor Billy Copeland who delivered a poignant message outlining the birth of the nation and speaking about what it means to be an American.

The presentation of colors was followed by a moment of prayer, led by Mayor Pro Tem Rufus Stewart who was also celebrating his birthday on Independence Day.

The First Baptist Church Quartet led the crowd in patriotic songs before most of them were off to enjoy the Henry County Fireworks Extravaganza at the Nash Farm and Battlefield in Hampton.

The City of Hampton hosted a Fourth of July parade Wednesday morning as residents lined the parade route dressed in red, white and blue and patriotic attire, as the pare passed through downtown Hampton, returning to McBrayer Park

Racing and fireworks were held at the Atlanta Motor Speedway with another event slated for Friday, July 6. Gates will open at 6 p.m.

In neighboring Clayton County, Jonesboro community leaders hosted a traditional 4th of July Parade along the historic Main Street, with elected officials, candidates, motorcycles, cyclists, funny cars, cheer teams and firetrucks greeted by children and families with waving flags as they paraded through downtown.