VALDOSTA — South Georgia is gearing up for Fourth of July celebrations over the next week.

Contrary to popular belief, July 4, 1776, was not the date when the Second Continental Congress declared the 13 Colonies’ independence from Great Britain. That occurred two days earlier with an announcement called the Lee Resolution.

Two days later, the Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, which was essentially an open letter explaining why the breakaway from the mother country was necessary, and it is this that the federal holiday celebrates.

VALDOSTA

— The Valdosta-Lowndes Parks and Recreation Authority will host what it calls “South Georgia’s Largest Fireworks Show” around 9:15 July 4. The VLPRA said the best viewing will be from the Valdosta Mall side of I-75 from Exits 16 and 18.

— Wild Adventures Theme Park will have fireworks shows July 4-6 as part of its Celebrate America Festival. The cost of tickets is $29.99 through the park’s Celebrate America sale, which ends Saturday. There will be free admission for active, retired, disabled and honorably discharged veterans and discounted tickets for their families.

LAKE PARK

— Lake Park’s Fourth of July celebration begins at 4:30 p.m. June 29 with a golf cart parade, complete with prizes for first, second and third place winners. The parade route starts at the Lake Dogs cafe at 118 Lakes Boulevard, winds past Long Pond and Dykes Pond and ends up at Tom’s Pond, where vendors and entertainment will be available. Fireworks will start after dark.

HAHIRA

— Hahira’s celebrations take place from 3-9 p.m. June 29 at the Hahira Depot. A pie bakeoff takes place from 4-5 p.m., followed by a golf cart parade at 6:30 p.m. There will be karaoke at The Slice at 7 p.m. Fireworks will start after sunset.

NASHVILLE

— On July 1, festivities at Memorial Park start at 5 p.m. with food and dessert trucks, pony rides and face painting. A fireworks display is planned.

RAY CITY

— Activities start at noon June 29 with live music, arts, crafts, food and beverage trucks, a kids’ zone, watermelon eating, a parade and a fireworks show at 1101 Patten Ave. The lineup for the parade starts at 5:30 p.m. on Pauline Street by the First Baptist Church with the parade kicking off at 6 p.m.

ECHOLS COUNTY

— A fireworks show begins at dark July 4 at the Community Center on Church of God Street. Vendors will be on hand.

BROOKS COUNTY

— A cruise-in takes place from 6-9 p.m. July 4 with food trucks, family games, parades and a fireworks show at 121 N. Culpepper St.