Poplar Avenue residents throw big July 4th party

Holidays can bring something special out of a small town, and that’s exactly what happened last Thursday as residents of Poplar Avenue and neighboring streets gathered at Tony and Gwen Alexander’s home to celebrate the 4th of July.

What started in a neighborhood group chat turned into the revival of an old tradition from over 30 years ago. The Independence Day party was truly a sight to see.

“We used to do it years ago across the street,” said Laura Bailey. “We’d close the streets so the kids could roam around, but everybody kind of moved away, and it stopped.”

Bailey said she cooked most of the meat for the party while others chipped in with hamburgers, pulled pork, sandwich trays, chips, and dip.

“The 4th of July means our freedom,” she said. “My husband served 40 years in the military, and my daughter is in the military, too. It’s being able to celebrate what we should celebrate every day.”

Gwen Alexander said Poplar Avenue has always been a wonderful street, and it’s important to know your neighbors and bring the community closer together.

Alexander was raised in a military family at Fort Benning, and the 4th of July is her father’s favorite holiday.

“We celebrate the 4th of July like nobody’s business,” she said. “It was very patriotic and meaningful every year, so I wanted to keep that family tradition going with my family on this street.”

Alexander said it was a huge community effort as everybody helped out with the festivities, from the food, music, balloon arch, and ferns to tablecloths and more. They also gave out name tags for residents to get to know one another

“People were very receptive,” Alexander said. “Community is everything. We have to have each other and just have a good time. This is what it’s all about.”

Krissy Long said when she arrived, Poplar was popping, and it gave her 70s vibes.

“What I’m most excited about is all the adversity I see with different age groups and ethnicities coming together as a family,” Long said. “Of course, it would be Gwen and Tony that did it. They are so precious.”

“COVID shut people down from having gatherings, but it also made people realize we needed to start doing things like this again,” she added. “People need genuine human connection and interaction.”

Long said the 4th of July means the freedom to express her opinions, religion, and communicate what she feels needs to be happening in the world.

After moving to Philadelphia last year, Christopher Townsend, a rapper, veteran, and social media influencer professionally known as “Topher,” said attending the party was a great way to get to know his neighbors.

“It shows that there is diversity here,” Townsend said. “It’s a historical district, and so many people have this misconception that it’s only white people who stay out here. For the most part, we are all loving and look out for one another. This is the best place for the city to see the camaraderie between the ethnicities, religion, and people.”

Townsend, a six-year Air Force veteran, also said the holiday reminds him that freedom is paid for by blood, but it’s maintained through sweat.

“Now it’s up to us to make sure we continue to maintain the freedom that was granted to us by those who have paved the way before us,” he said. “When I see the 4th and get together with so many people, this is what so many people died for. It’s a big meaning in my heart.”

The celebration was filled with many laughs, love, and hugs, but community pride is what lit up the town more than the party’s night-ending fireworks show.