Independence Day celebrations are scheduled across Northeast Georgia today. Here’s a list of some of the places where you and your family can enjoy a fun Fourth:
JULY 4th
Atlanta hosts some of the biggest Independence Day celebrations around. Nearly 60,000 runners are expected to turn out on July 4 for the AJC Peachtree Road Race — the largest 10K in the country. The race kicks off just before 7 a.m., so plan to get there early, especially if you want a coveted seat along the route. In the evening, get fired up at one of Metro Atlanta’s many fireworks celebrations, including events at Stone Mountain Park.
Dahlonega will host a day-long celebration on July 4. The event begins at 8 a.m. with the Firecracker 5K, followed by a parade at 11 a.m. There will be food and shopping on the square throughout the day and two free concerts at 2 and 4:30 p.m. At dusk, fireworks will be launched from the University of North Georgia campus.
Demorest will host its annual Glorious Fourth on July 4. The day kicks off at 8 a.m. with the Run for Glory 5k sponsored by The Torch. Beginning at 2 p.m., there will be food, merchandise, and activities in Demorest Springs Park. The parade begins at 4 p.m. down Central Avenue/US 441 and at 7 p.m. Gregg Erwin and Steve Bryson will perform free concerts in the park. After the concert, at dusk, the city will launch fireworks from the Brent Lee Moore Memorial Baseball Field behind the old Demorest Elementary School (former Concord Habersham church) at 250 Alabama Street.
Dillard will host a free fireworks display on July 4 that will be visible for miles around. Park your car along Highway 441 North and get out your lawn chairs. The fireworks will begin around dusk. [If you’re hankerin’ for a party with live music, BBQ, and a mountaintop view of the pyrotechnics, visit the Dillard House online.]
Helen will host it’s annual Fourth of July Celebration and fireworks on July 4. The fireworks will be held at dusk (between 9 and 9:30 p.m.) behind the Alpine Village Shoppes and Helen Welcome Center on Brucken Strasse but can be seen from almost any location in downtown Helen.
Hiawassee will host a spectacular fireworks display on July 4 at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Arrive early and enjoy live music starting at 6 p.m. before the fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
Homer presents its Fourth of July Fireworks show from 9-10 p.m. on July 4. The fireworks will be launched from the Banks County Recreation Department multi-purpose field by the middle school. Bring your lounge chairs, for an evening of family fun.
PAST EVENTS
JULY 2nd
Athens invites you to celebrate 246 years of American independence with a fireworks display at the Star Spangled Classic on July 2. The fireworks display will be launched at approximately 9:30 p.m. from Athens Ben Epps Airport at 1010 Ben Epps Drive. The display will be viewable from many locations around the Lexington Road, Cherokee Road, and Gaines School Road intersection. Limited, first-come, field parking will be available near the airport and at Satterfield Park beginning at 7 p.m. Parking will not be available on Ben Epps Drive.
Gainesville-Hall County will host fireworks and July 4 festivities at Laurel Park. This year the day and evening-long celebration will be held on July 2 beginning at 9 a.m. Bring the kids for a day filled with fun activities, food vendors, music, Splash Pad fun and playing in the park. Fireworks begin at dusk. Laurel Park is located at 3100 Old Cleveland Highway.
Lake Burton hosts its boat-accessible fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. on July 2. The fireworks will be shot from the south end of Billy Goat Island.
Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee will host its annual Boat Parade from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon on July 2.
Nicholson in Jackson County will host its Independence Day Celebration from 12 noon until 9 p.m. on July 2. There will be lots of food, crafts, games, live music and fireworks at dusk. The event will be held in the area of East Jackson Park at 225 Lakeview Drive.
Sky Valley will host its annual National Independence Day Celebration on July 2 with a parade at 11 a.m. and fireworks over the lake at 9:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs!
Tiger Drive-In Theater will host fireworks before the movie on Saturday night July 2. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the movie “Elvis” starts at 9:30 p.m. The fireworks show will be visible from areas near the outdoor theater at 2956 Old 441 South.
July 3rd
Lake Rabun will host its Wooden Boat Regatta beginning at Mathis Dam in Lakemont at 10:30 a.m. on July 3. The fireworks over the lake will be shot from The Dike and are scheduled to begin around 9:15 p.m.
