In the face of declining revenues and the difficulty in raising sponsorship funds, Gwinnett County Government officials have decided the County will no longer organize the annual Gwinnett Glows 4th of July celebration. Gwinnett Glows has been a fun community tradition for two decades, but the old adage "all good things must come to an end" is particularly apt in this case given the current state of the economy.

The good news is that Gwinnett County residents still have a choice of other Independence Day celebrations taking place this year. Many of the events provide fun-filled festivities similar Gwinnett Glows, such as food, music, games, and, of course, fireworks.

Here are some places in Gwinnett County and around metro Atlanta where you and your loved ones can celebrate the independence of our great nation on July 4:

• Lake Lanier
• Mall of Georgia
• Stone Mountain Park
• Lenox Square
• Centennial Olympic Park
• Six Flags Over Georgia

A number of other events are held on July 3:

• Duluth: Duluth Celebrates America
• Lawrenceville: Prelude to the Fourth in Lawrenceville
• Sugar Hill: Sparks in the Parks
• Coolray Field (following Gwinnett Braves game)

The Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau maintains a calendar of events. Visit the GCVB website to find these and other Independence Day celebrations taking place in Gwinnett County.