Enjoy the Fourth of July this year by stopping by a local community event! See some of the action happening around you below:

Blue Ridge:

This July, celebrations are starting early at Angry Hops Brewing. The brewery is hosting a Kickoff Party for the Freedom 5k on July 3, with live music, barbecue, free drinks for racers, and a patriotic racing gear contest.

On the Fourth, events start early in Downtown with the Freedom 5k beginning at 7:30 a.m. Then, the annual Old Timers’ Parade kicks off at 10 AM. The parade has been a part of Blue Ridge tradition for over 60 years, according to the Blue Ridge Business Association. Their website encourages attendees to come in old timers’ attire with their antique vehicles in tow. Those watching the parade are told to find a spot for viewing early in the downtown area. As the parade ends, the Tri-State Community band will perform near the City Park.

As the holiday comes to an end, “Fire in the Sky” will return to Lake Blue Ridge at 9:30 p.m. Hosted by the Lake Blue Ridge Civic Association (LBRCA), the group recommends viewing the firework display by boat, from the marina, or at Morganton Point Recreation Area. If the promise of fireworks on the lake isn’t enough, the LBRCA touts rankings as one of “3 of the Best Places to See Fireworks in the South” from AAA Living and “20 Best Places to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks” by Popular Mechanics. In the event of rain, the make-up show is scheduled for July 5.

Epworth:

The Epworth Community Club will host an annual Fourth of July Observation at the Old Epworth School Cafeteria. They begin with a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. After, the celebration is followed with a flag raising, BINGO, and other outdoor activities.

Ellijay:

In Ellijay, weekday celebrations start at Buckley Vineyards on July 3 at 6:30 p.m. With live music and lobster rolls until dark, guests at the free celebration will be able to enjoy a firework show at dark.

On the Fourth of July, Ellijay will also hold its own parade downtown. This year’s themed parade, “Star Spangled Summer,” will make its way from Sailors Drive at 10:30 a.m., through Ellijay’s downtown square, and end at the elementary school. Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King will serve as Grand Marshal for the parade, which the Gilmer County Chamber calls “a great opportunity to bring the community together to celebrate our country’s independence.” The chamber also encourages parade watchers to stay and enjoy the shops and restaurants in the downtown area until the firework show at sunset.