Live concerts in the park and fireworks will cap off today’s Glorious Fourth celebration in Demorest. Concerts featuring Gregg Erwin and Steve Bryson began at 7 p.m. at Demorest Springs Park. Fireworks will launch at dusk starting around 9:30 p.m.
The best view of the fireworks will be around the old Demorest Elementary School (Concord Habersham church) located at 250 Alabama Street.
“Last year was a trial run for this location and we have listened to many suggestions for improvement,” the city website says. “The fireworks this year are expected to reach a higher altitude and should be seen from a greater area.”
The fireworks will cap off a day of celebrating America’s 246th birthday. Monday afternoon, hundreds lined the streets of downtown Demorest to welcome the return of city’s Fourth of July parade.
Loud sirens and engines broke through the steamy July air as tractors, dune buggies, fire trucks, and ambulances paraded down Central Avenue. Tiny tykes in wagons and strollers, and some driving their own battery-operated vehicles, joined the procession. Habersham Central’s marching Band of Blue provided the soundtrack with patriotic songs like My Country Tis of Thee.
This year’s Grand Marshal was Band of Blue Director Ryan Dukes. He’s retiring next year after fifteen years at the high school. Newly-retired radio host Billy Burrell was also honored. On July 1, the 92-year-old Burrell stepped down as host of WCON’s Sunshine Melodies. The gospel show ran for 71 years.
There were a few floats that found their way into the parade and of course, there was lots of candy. Kids (and adults too) delighted in gathering up as much as they could to tide them over until Halloween.
The parade wasn’t the only event in town. There were activities and vendors set up in Demorest Springs Park and the day kicked off bright and early with the annual Run for Glory 5K. The race, sponsored by the Torch, is a fundraiser for the church youth group’s annual beach retreat.
“It’s a good time to hang out with your friends and support the ministry,” says Ally Dover of Alto.
Dover and her friends Riley Moody of Clarkesville and Lilly Minskomf of Demorest were among the youth who stood along the race route cheering on the runners and walkers.
As for the many months of planning that went into putting together today’s celebration, city manager Kim Simonds calls it a “labor of love.”
“The City Hall staff deserve high praise for all their hard work,” she says. “It’s really a labor of love for our community!”
SEE ALSO
