Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Andalusia is one of many cities across the United States that celebrates the Fourth of July in a big way.

In addition to Andalusia’s established Fourth of July traditions, including the Daughters of the American Revolution’s parade and the city-sponsored fireworks show, a new event will happen this year on the evening of Tuesday, July 2. That evening, at 6:30, in the City Hall Auditorium, a number of area residents will read aloud the Declaration of Independence, the nation’s founding document.

The public is cordially invited to attend.

The event coordinator, Dr. Steve Hubbard, said the idea comes from a 30-year tradition on National Public Radio. Every Fourth, during the “Morning Edition” broadcast. NPR journalists read the Declaration, each person reading a section before moving on to the next section and reader. In many of the years he taught American literature at LBW Community College, Dr. Hubbard would get his students to take turns reading the Declaration aloud in class. He admits that a college class is not the same thing as a community gathering. but since the participants in a public reading would be willing volunteers and since City Hall is a beautiful venue, going public seemed like a good idea. City officials and employees he has spoken with, as well as fellow citizens throughout the area, have thought so, too, and are lending their support.

Andalusia Reads the Declaration will involve more than 25 area residents as readers, a number of bell ringers, and a young violinist/fiddler.

There is no charge for admission. Refreshments will follow the reading.