Local events include rodeo, parade and big fireworks show
A grand fireworks show fills the sky over Lake Chatuge last year on the July 4th.
By Lorrie Ross
Staff Writer
Looking to celebrate the Fourth of July with a bang? Clay County and surrounding communities have several opportunities for all day fun.
Right here at home, “Let Freedom Ring” is the theme for Clay County’s Fourth of July parade and Freedom Festival this year. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, July 4 the Historic Hayesville Square will host music, games and food for lots of family fun.
The old-fashioned patriotic parade will head through downtown from First Freewill Baptist Church starting at 10 a.m. and every float will be adorned with at least one American flag. Awards will be given for the most interactive, the most patriotic and the most original float, so make sure to bring chairs to sit and cheer for your favorites. Jim Rich, director of the Clay County Chamber, which sponsors the parade said the parade route will be reversed from 2023 to minimize road closures.
After the parade, the fun will continue with family games and more on the square. Children’s games will be provided by Carolina Christian Academy and a bounce house will be provided by Aerojump, according to Rich. Ron Harrel, The One Man Band will perform live music. As of press time, food would be available from Hayesville Q, as well as hot dogs.
The parade and Freedom Festival are sponsored by the Clay County Chamber of Commerce at 96 Sanderson Street in downtown Hayesville. Rich said vendors and parade entries are still open. Applications are available at the chamber, email Rich: director@claychambernc.com or call (828) 389-3704.
Then grab a picnic and head to the lake for the afternoon or evening. Fireworks will light up the sky at the Clay County Campground Pavilion No. 2 starting at 9:45 p.m. County Manager Debbie Mauney said, “The gate will be open all day for families to swim at the beach area.” Music will play from the county sound system and Clay County EMS, 911, Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Fire and Rescue will direct traffic, as well as handle any emergencies.
Mauney said the annual Independence Day fireworks are paid for by Clay County Travel and Tourism money. “The county contracts with Pyro Shows out of Lafollette, Tenn., a year in advance as they book up quickly,” Mauney explained. “Due to requests from the community, the county began having the firework event at the campground four years ago. We have only had very positive feedback from Clay County residents, campers, visitors and the surrounding counties for the fireworks to continue.”
Mauney ended, “I encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the fireworks this year and stay safe. Happy Fourth of July from the Clay County Commissioners and Clay County leadership.”
Don’t forget Clay County’s hometown rodeo the two days after Independence Day. At 8 p.m. on Friday, July 5 and Saturday, July 6, enjoy bull-riding, barrel racing and more at Cutworms Corral. The gates open at 6 p.m. Cutworms Corral, the rodeo venue is located at 4637 Downings Creek Road in Hayesville. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children ages five to 10, with free admission for those under four. Cash only at the gate or buy tickets online at: www.eventbrite.com.
Other ways to celebrate the Fourth of July include a boat parade on Lake Chatuge. At 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 4 boaters line up behind the parade’s Grand Marshal behind Young Harris Watersports in Sunset Cove. All boats will display American flags and many will have additional patriotic decorations.
Prizes valued at $600 will be awarded for most creative and most red, white and blue. Boaters who want to be judged must have a number issued by the Lake Chatuge Chamber of Commerce. Boat numbers are available at the Chamber Welcome Center at 1411 Jack Dayton Circle, Young Harris. For a registration form, stop by or email: lcchamber2021@gmail.com.
Not a boater? Spectators are welcome to enjoy the parade from the Old Towns County Recreation Center, Anderson Bridge and the Georgia Mountain Fair Campgrounds. The parade will pass by the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, then loop around to come back.
The Georgia Mountain Fair at 1311 Music Hall Road in Hiawassee, Ga. will also host fireworks and other family-friendly fun. There will be corn hole boards ready to play, along with a bounce house, fun games by and other children’s activities hosted by Calvary Baptist Church. From 6:30-9 p.m. the all-female band, Vintage Vixens, will perform covers of some of the 60’s and 70’s biggest hits. After the music, the fireworks will light the Hiawassee side of Lake Chatuge. Rain date will be Friday, July 5.
In Blairsville, Vogel State Park celebrates all day. From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, July 4, activities range from sack races, a bicycle parade, pedal boat races, egg toss, sandcastle competition, watermelon eating contest and greased pole climbing. The day begins at 8 a.m. with a flag raising ceremony at the Vogel State Park Visitors Center, 405 Vogel State Park Road in Blairsville, Ga. There is a $5 parking fee.
Live closer to Cherokee County, Murphy’s Independence Day fireworks are at Konehete Veterans Park around 9:30 p.m. or dark-thirty Thursday, July 4. Konehete Park is located at 297 Connahetta St. in Murphy.