Fireworks set for Saturday

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Venue changes to Brasstown site of Punkin Chunkin

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The July Fourth fireworks display is on track for Saturday night, according to Clay County Chamber of Commerce Director Pam Roman. However, the location has changed from Hayesville to Brasstown.

The chamber had planned to hold its fireworks display at the VFW ballfields in Hayesville, but they have decided to move it to Vic Payne’s property at 822 Settawig Road in Brasstown. It’s the site of the annual Punkin Chunkin. 

The change of venue was made because of liability insurance concerns which were also expressed last year. County Manager Debbie Mauney said the county was looking into what kind of permit was needed and what coverage was available for the event. 

“We were working with them and looking into seeing whether we could get the insurance,” said Mauney. 

The chamber has event insurance, but a special insurance is required for this size of fireworks displays. Insurance was apparently a concern last year, but the fireworks were still allowed to be held at the ballfields.

In the meantime, commissioner Clay Logan worked with Roman to relocate the fireworks to the private property in Brasstown.

The entire fireworks show had initially been canceled due to lack of funding caused by the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic and business closings. However, local businesses stepped up to the plate, donating about $6,000 to purchase fireworks for this year’s show.

The fireworks display starts at dark. Roman recommends being there by 7 p.m. as long lines of traffic are anticipated. Attendees are asked to stay in cars or place chairs in front of their vehicles while watching the fireworks. Visitors are also ask to take their trash when them when leaving.

This year there will be no July Fourth parade on the square and food and drinks will not be sold at the fireworks venue. 

“Paul and Carol LaMonica will be donating their time and musical expertise playing music for the Fourth of July,” said Roman. “ Please stop by and thank them for their contribution to the evening.”

“We just encourage everyone to sit back and enjoy the show,” Roman said.

Roman expressed appreciation to the businesses that donated and thanked Logan for getting the ball rolling. “Without them, this would not have happened,” Roman said.

Businesses donating to purchase fireworks include Advantage Chatuge Realty, Richard Kelley Group - Century 21/Black Bear Realty,  Mountain Streams Real Estate, Mountain Sunrise Realty, Sonja Silvers Realty Group, Cantrells Body Shop, Burch Insurance Agency, Deerfield Inn, Eric Burton, CPA, Hinton Rural Life Center, Ivie Funeral Home, Kings Pharmacy, Moore Insurance, The Sea Notes, Tommy Nichols Appraisal, John Walker and Diane Baggett.