Slate of weekend events include fi reworks, concert and
Monday’s Freedom Fest and Proud to be an American parade
By Becky Long
Publisher
Clay County local government and the Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to provide locals and visitors a fun and exciting July Fourth weekend that includes a fireworks show and parade, among other events.
The excitement begins on Saturday, July 2 when the Clay County Rec Park at Lake Chatuge transforms into a Independence Day Central with food and entertainment coming from sonic booms and beautiful starbursts gleaming over the lake from the giant fireworks show which gets underway at 9:45 p.m. Events are held at Pavilion No. 3 better known as the Lions Club Pavilion. Viewing of the fireworks can be enjoyed from just about any spot around the lake, particularly the Chatuge Dam area, but most spectators won’t want to miss the fun at the Rec Park site.
Gates to the Rec Park open at 6 p.m. where visitors can enjoy hot dogs, chips and drink along with entertainment from north Georgia’s own Steve Bryson. Bryson, a singer, songwriter and musician. His musical style is often considered a blend of southern rock, blues, gospel and traditional country, according to his bio. He is a Nashville recorded country music artist and an inductee into the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame.
“At the age of 12 my dad passed. My oldest brother Gary brought home a teach yourself how to play guitar book so that he could learn to play,” Bryson explained. “Gary forbid me to touch the guitar, but when Gary would go to work, I would sneak the book and guitar out. Before long, I taught myself the chords and was playing simple hymns and songs.”
Bryson’s antics paid off well. “From the beginning, music has given me the opportunity to meet and work with many country music legends like The Bellamy Brothers, George Jones, Larry Gatlin, and Ronnie Milsap, just to name a few.”
After enjoying Saturday’s festivities families will have a few days to rest before heading to the Hayesville square for the “Proud to Be an American Parade” and the “Freedom Festival” on Monday, July 4.
The Freedom Festival kicks off at 9 a.m. and continues until 1:30 p.m. , according to Clay County Chamber Executive Director, Laura Kleiss.
Music is being provided by Ron Harrell ,“The One Man Band.” Food will be provided by Hayesville Q and the award-winning Holy Smokers from Good Shepherd Episcopal Church. Fun child friendly beverages will be provided by Mackenzie Wilson with Eagle Fork Kids. In addition, Kleiss said family and children’s games are being coordinated with the help of the First Free Will Baptist Church Youth Minister, Andrea Sisum. The American Legion will be providing a flag folding presentation followed by song writer David Grimes’ song “We Never Will Forget.” Calista Rumfelt will sing the national anthem at 9:45 a.m.
The Proud to Be an American Parade gets underway 1t 10 a.m. and I will be joined by former mayor and Town Councilman Harry Baughn for master of ceremonies duties. Come to the stage and join us in the fun.
The staging area for the parade will be at the Judicial Center/Court House Complex, starting at 8:30 a.m. All parade participants need to fill out the vendor and/or parade form and submit them to the Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center on the square in Hayesville. The parade will be led by grand marshal, veteran James “Tink” Dyer. Veterans organizations will lead the parade followed by vehicles and floats from businesses, organizations and churches.
There is no fee to enter the parade. For entry or vendor forms call the chamber at (828) 389-3704. Forms can be obtained at their office or found on-line at: www.claychamernc.com. Deadline for entry forms is 12 p.m. Thursday, June 30.
Oh, and if you have a hankering for ice cream, Kleiss reminds everyone that on the Fourth of July, Chinquapins will be open to provide a cool reprieve from the anticipated July heat.
Check next week’s edition for more events on July Fourth weekend including a stars and stripes rodeo.