ATLANTA -- Fourth of July will come and go this year without one of the city's biggest traditions. Lenox Square announced it has canceled its iconic fireworks event. But the mall says its new plans will result in "a more spectacular fireworks show than ever before."
In a statement sent to 11Alive News, Lenox Square explained the decision to stop hosting its own fireworks show:
"While Lenox Square’s Legendary 4th of July event has been an Atlanta tradition for many years, the city and Lenox Square have both grown and evolved, offering a multitude of events for residents to ring in Independence Day. For this reason in 2017, Lenox Square has decided to update its 4th of July programming and will offer a new type of celebration for the Atlanta community and surrounding neighborhoods."
That new type of celebration will involve Centennial Olympic Park, it was announced Wednesday afternoon.
“For years, Lenox Square and Centennial Olympic Park have complemented each other as two of the city’s premier 4th of July fireworks events. We are now thrilled to have Lenox Square provide support through a generous donation and welcome the patrons who have traditionally attended the Lenox Square celebration to join us at Centennial Olympic Park,” said Jennifer LeMaster, chief administrative officer of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority in a statement. “We look forward to sharing some of the recent – and ongoing - revitalization efforts in Downtown Atlanta and helping them celebrate Independence Day this year in the heart of Atlanta.”
The park is about 9 miles away from the mall, according to the release.
For more than half a century, Lenox Square hosted the celebration that boasted more than 10,000 fireworks. Management said they would continue to host the AJC Peachtree Road Race, and would add "additional patriotic activities" to offer "families a full day of fun in the heart of Atlanta."
PHOTOS: Independence Day Fireworks
