The entire event runs from 4pm to 10pm, and includes a festival in Norcross’ historic downtown district, as well as the free concert in nearby Lillian Webb Park (5 College St.). Music begins at 6:30pm with “Heroes” opening for “Mother’s Finest” who goes onstage at 8pm. A huge fireworks display is slated for shortly after dusk (around 9:30pm).
Heralding from Atlanta’s 1970’s music scene, “Mother’s Finest” is still well known for their funky rock rhythms and expressive R&B singing. They charted with the singles “Fire” and “Baby Love” among others, and in 2011 were admitted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. There is no charge for this concert – seating is on the grass, so blankets, chairs and coolers are welcome (no glass containers or tents).
Downtown Norcross streets will be closed at 2pm to set up for the festival starting at 4pm. According to Norcross Business Association (NBA) president and festival organizer Mary Hester, expect to find kids’ attractions, cotton candy and funnel cakes, crafters and local business vendors throughout the historic commercial district. For those still full of energy after the fireworks, several downtown hotspots including Mojitos Cuban Bistro, Iron Horse Tavern and Z’Apata Mexican restaurant will be open, encouraging the fun to continue into the evening.
Free shuttle service into the downtown area is provided by the city courtesy of Norcross-based American Coach, with free parking at the Norcross First United Methodist Church (2500 Beaver Ruin Rd.) and at Hopewell Baptist Churches’ Autry Street parking lot. Service runs 5pm until 10:30pm, dropping off and picking up visitors in front of City Hall (65 Lawrenceville St.) and at the corner of S. Peachtree St. and Holcomb Bridge Rd. From there, visitors can easily stroll over to Lillian Webb Park for the concert and fireworks.
For more info about Norcross’ Pre-Fourth Celebration and the “Mother’s Finest” concert, visit http://www.aplacetoimagine.com or call the Parks & Recreation Dept. at 678.421.2000.
