4 year old Sophia Franklin of Mt. Airy gets into the spirit of things during the Independence Day celebration in Demorest.
Despite the threat of rain Saturday, thousands turned out to enjoy Demorest’s Glorious Fourth of July Celebration. And yes, while there were plenty of rumblings about this year’s fireworks – which were moved to a location with limited visibility – overall, it was still a glorious day.
Libby and Jimmy Franklin of Mt. Airy attended with their 4-year old daughter Sophia. “I think it’s awesome. I think it’s just what we need,” Libby said. Her husband agreed. “I think it’s great. It’s hometown. It’s sharing our patriotism and celebrating as a family.” Jimmy called Saturday’s Glorious Fourth in Demorest “a highlight of the summer.” Not even the threat of rain could keep this family at bay. “Even if we get rained on we just have to look at the soldiers and what they’ve done for us and a little rain is nothing,” said Libby.
A light rain did fall for a short time on Saturday but by mid-afternoon the dismal forecast dissipated into sunshine and clear skies.
Brandie Bell of Alto grew up celebrating July 4th in Demorest. She’s carrying on the tradition with her four kids. “It means growing up in a small town who doesn’t let everything going on in the world stand in the way of us celebrating.”
“It’s a spirit of freedom,” said a smiling Jimmy Franklin as he watched his daughter eat her parade candy and proudly wave her American flag.
People, Parades, Ponies and Pride
Steven Waggoner ran in the first event of Demorest’s Fourth of July – a 5K run. He placed second in his age class – in the first race he has ever run!Emma Simmons of Baldwin bravely took a pony ride in Demorest Park Saturday. She was wearing her Fourth of July shirt.Sons of the American Revolution dressed up in their Continental Army and Minutemen uniforms to lead the Demorest parade on Independence Day.The old guard, color guard.Kids of all ages turned out to celebrate America’s 239th birthday in Demorest.Boy Scouts from Troop 24 in Cornelia carry the Stars and Stripes. This oversized flag belongs to the City of Demorest.The Habersham Central High School Men’s Soccer Team served as Grand Marshals of Demorest’s Glorious Fourth parade. The team went 10-5 during the season and made it to the state playoffs.Grand Marshalls. Grand day.There’s no clowning around when it comes to public safety, but when it comes to a parade…well…there’s plenty of room for clowns and public safety vehicles.A clown and a fire truck make any parade complete. There were a number of fire trucks, police cars, and emergency vehicles in Demorest’s parade on the fourth. Lots of horns and sirens, too.A squeaky clean garbage truck displayed its patriotism on parade. For forty years the Heaton family has had roadside seats for the Demorest Fourth of July parade. Pictured are Keith and Jennie Heaton Hallford, talking with parade-watchers.Libby and Jimmy Franklin of Mt. Airy can’t help but smile as their 4 year old daughter Sophia gets into the July 4th spirit with her parade candy and flag.The Demorest Glorious Fourth Celebration is a family tradition for sisters (l-r) Madalyn, Kaylie and Kenzie. Their mom Brandie Bell (far right) grew up attending the city’s July 4th celebration.Brandi Bell reflects on Independence Day in rural America during an interview with Now Habersham. Her son Keegan teared up during the interview. He wanted his mom to stop talking and open his parade candy so he could eat it.Kaylee Wright, age 4, was dressed for the Fourth from head to toe. Even her little toenails were patriotic.Habersham County Animal Care and Control Director Madi Hawkins (waving) and her rescue dog Norm paraded with patriotic pets from the shelter. For more information about adopting a pet call 706-754-3533.Smash the clown was a smash with the crowd when he threw out the last of his candy for the kids to grab.Dream Weavers waved as they made their way through the crowd.Hometown favorite, country music singer John King performs on stage in Demorest Park. King and his band headlined a long list of performers who performed throughout the day.John King took to social media after the performance to thank everyone who came out to the show in Demorest (PHOTO: John King/Facebook)Fireworks lit up the night sky around 9:30pm. Unfortunately, because of a change in location where the fireworks were shot visibility was limited. Many who went to their traditional viewing spots were unable to see them. Still, for those who did see them it was a nice way to cap off a glorious fourth!
