By Becky Long
Publisher
Clay County is putting on a show — several actually — offering residents plenty of options for celebrating this Fourth of July weekend.
Patriotic festivities will fan out into four days and include a concert on the square, rodeo, fireworks show and parade.
Here’s the line-up:
Friday, July 1: Concert on the Hayesville square features “modern classic country and rock band,” Southern Vantage. Beer, wine and cider available. Food and beverages will be available at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 7 p.m. No entry fee but donations are appreciated.
Saturday and Sunday, July 2-3: Bar W Rodeo will put on their two-day event at Cutworm’s Coral, 4637 Downings Creek Road, in Hayesville. The stock contracting, rodeo production company owned by Brett Woody averages about 150 competitors at its events. The rodeo starts at 8 p.m. and gates open at 6 p.m. Cash only at the gate or purchase on-line: www.Eventbrite.com. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for youth ages 5 to 10 and children under 5 admitted free.
Saturday, July 2: Concert, food and big fireworks show at the Clay County Rec. Park, adjacent to the beach, at Lake Chatuge hosted by Clay County government. Gates open at 6 p.m. and fireworks are set off at 9:45 p.m. The event is free to the public.
Event includes The Steve Bryson Band in concert. In addition, Clay County Hearts for Kids and Adults will be selling hot dogs and drinks with proceeds benefiting foster children and adults. The fireworks show costs $21,000 and is paid from county travel and tourism funds.
“We feel that the campground is one of our greatest assets and this gives our citizens and opportunity to spend time at the lake enjoying the event,” said County Manager Debbie Mauney.
The county contracts from Pyro Show Inc., a year in advance. “Due to scheduling challenges, the fireworks will only be canceled in the event of severe weather conditions,” Mauney added.
Monday, July 4: Sponsored by the Clay County Chamber of Commerce, the Freedom Festival kicks off on the Hayesville town square at 9 a.m. and continues until 1:30 p.m. The event includes music by Ron Harrell and food sold by Hayesville Q and Holy Smokers from Good Shepherd Episcopal Church. The event includes other vendors along with children’s games and a flag folding presentation and national anthem at 9:45 a.m.
The Proud to Be an American Parade starts at 10 a.m. and float lineup will be from the Clay County Courthouse Complex. Veterans organizations will lead the parade and veteran James “Tink” Dyer will serve as grand marshal. Dyer served in the Marines in Korea. He is a long-time member of the Allison-Bristol VFW Post 6812.
There is no fee to enter the parade. Call the chamber at (828) 389-3704. Forms can be obtained at their office or found on-line at: www.claychamernc.com.