By Becky Long
Publisher
Clay County residents and visitors have many options to celebrate the nation’s independence during the weekend leading up to Tuesday’s Fourth of July holiday.
Whether you want to take in the events a la carte or rest up and enjoy them all, options include a two-day rodeo, festival and parade with a brand new route topped off by an extravagant fireworks show later in the evening.
Here’s the holiday line-up:
Bar W Rodeo
Sunday and Monday, July 2-3: Rodeo at Cutworm’s Corral at 4637 Downings Creek Road.
Stock Contractor is Clay County’s own Bar W Rodeo and the event is sanctioned by the National Cowboy Pro Rodeo Association. The rodeo supports the Agricultural Scholarship Fund.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids. Children under 5 are admitted free. To order tickets visit: www.Eventbrite.com. Cash only at the venue.
Freedom Festival
• Tuesday, July 4: Freedom Festival, Hayesville town square 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sponsored by the Clay County Chamber of Commerce.
Festival features Ron Harrell who brings a large repertoire including popular hits from the ‘50s to the ‘70s and today’s country and top 40. Event features games, bounce house, barbecue and kettle corn.
July 4th Parade
The patriotic parade will make its way to the Hayesville town square via a new route this year.
The procession begins at the First Freewill Baptist Church and Carolina Christian Academy, then proceeds down Ritter Road and around the Hayesville square where it will return to First Freewill Baptist Church.
There are sidewalks to view the parade throughout the entire route. Awards will be given to the entries that are most interactive, most patriotic and most original. To enter, call the chamber office at 389-3704.
Veteran Sam Davis Jr. is the grand marshal and the American Legion and VFW lead the parade.
Fireworks show
over Lake Chatuge
Clay County government sponsors the grand finale fireworks show which gets underway at 9:45 p.m. Tuesday.
Gates open at 6 p.m. and food and drinks are offered along with music and a DJ. It is stationed at pavilion No. 3, Lion’s Club Pavilion, at Lake Chatuge Recreation Park Campground area.