Cumming celebrates Independence Day Saturday with 63rd annual steam engine parade

CUMMING, Ga. – The City of Cumming hosts one of the largest and most exciting 4^th of July celebrations in north Georgia.

For more than 60 years, thousands of folks, young and old, have lined the streets of downtown Cumming to revel at the sights and sounds of the Thomas-Mashburn Independence Day Steam Engine Parade.

The 63rd annual event winds through downtown Cumming. This year’s parade route has been extended to allow for social distancing. All non-steam engine entries will begin at Forsyth Central High School and steam engines will enter the parade at Webb Street. The parade will make its way down Tribble Gap/Castleberry Road and end at the Cumming Fairgrounds.

Parade spectator parking will be available at Cumming Elementary, Otwell Middle and Forsyth Central High schools, the parking decks on Castleberry Road and School Street/Mason Street, and in the Cumming City Hall and Forsyth County Administration Building parking lots. Attendees are asked to please practice social distancing, and earplugs are always recommended (especially for little ones) as the steam engines are extremely loud.

You will know the fun is about to start when you hear the exciting steam engine whistles begin to blow. Cumming Mayor Troy Brumbalow and the City Council will be at the head of the parade, followed by Forsyth County veterans who are always honored guests.

Then magnificent steam engines represent an important historical era in Georgia’s agriculture. Next, it’s an exciting array of colorful local business floats, antique cars and county sports teams.

A.G. Thomas, Dr. Jim Mashburn, and Dr. Marcus Mashburn, were all avid collectors of steam engines and their family and friends have maintained and added to their unique collections over the years. The Steam Engine Association proudly displays their antique engines every 4th of July to carry on the tradition.

The festivities continue from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Cumming Fairgrounds, as patrons enjoy vendors and music while they wait for the main event: theannual fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. There are no parking or admission fees to enter the Fairgrounds. No outside food or drinks are allowed inside the Fairgrounds, and guests are asked to please practice social distancing.