Demorest’s annual Glorious 4th of July Celebration this year promises to be the biggest one yet, according to City Clerk Marlena Sosebee and Mayor Rick Austin. Activities for the day begin with the 5k run sponsored by the Torch. Mayor Rick Austin challenged his fellow elected officials to join him for the run at Tuesday night’s work session. Sosebee told the council that the Faith Christian dunking booth fundraiser would be in the park and would be a great way to cool off after the run. Stop by the park and give them a dunk for charity!
There are 15 craft vendors expected on Georgia Street across from Demorest Springs Park. Inside the park, Bright productions will have a trainride, moonwalk, pony rides and more. Also in the park will be three bands playing from 6pm until after the fireworks at 9:30, beginning with Jared Brooks, then Steve Bryson and ending with the John King Band sponsored by G. Ben Turnipseed Engineers. A parade of dogs available for adoption, a cake walk , a horseshoe tournament and more will make this 4th of July the best of small town living.
Food vendors for the event will be on Georgia Street in the downtown area. Vendors include Sweetbreads, Natalie Jane’s, Chicago’s and Hawg Wild as well as 12 other food vendors. A picnic area will be set up in the parking lot of the post office so families can sit and enjoy. Whistle Top Brewery has been approved as a vendor for “adult” beverages. The beverages will only be consumed in a specific area and attendees may not stroll around with a beer in hand. Id’s will be checked and Demorest City Police as well as 6 Georgia State Patrol members will be on hand for crowd safety. Mayor Rick Austin reiterated that the 4th would be a “fun, family event.”
New sponsors have joined to offset the expenses of the event. United Community Bank, Consolidated Pipe and Supply as well as Fox, Chandler, Homans, Hicks and McKinnon. Select Pest will be spraying for mosquito contol.
The fireworks show is slated to begin at 9:30pm. The location will be in the parking lot next to the Demorest Women’s Club and will be “low profile.” Officials urge those wishing to see the show to be in the downtown area. Mayor Austin noted during the work session on Tuesday that many locations for the fireworks were evaluated. The former location is no longer available as Piedmont College has grown over the years and has several membrane roofs as well as artificial turf to consider.
It will be a great show and a wonderful event. Make your plans and have a Happy 4th of July!
