Becky Long • Clay County Progress Averie Morgan sings the “Star Spangled Banner” to an appreciative crowd.
Visitors and locals made up large crowds for the annual July Fourth Freedom Festival and parade as well as for the fireworks display at Lake Chatuge.
Crowds lined corners of the square to catch a glimpse of the ever-growing parade and in hopes of catching a few pieces of candy. The daytime event is hosted by the Clay County Chamber of Commerce.
The fun continued after dark with Clay County government sponsoring the fireworks extravaganza at the Rec Park. Both events were spared from the rain showers.