City Council returns to open events in city with approvals
News May 9, 2021
JASPER, Ga. – Plans are now in motion in the city council to return to Fourth of July celebrations in Jasper this year. While last year the city didn’t hold fireworks and had other issues due to COVID restrictions, the council is looking to return this year with a two day event on Saturday, July 3, and Sunday July 4.
According to the presentation by Leslie Miller and discussion in the May meeting of the city council, the plan was set to hold events, the parade, bingo, and celebrations in the afternoon while holding the fireworks display on Sunday along with a band playing at Lee Newton Park.
The parade will be held on Saturday at 1 p.m. this year to coincide and “kick off” the celebration with the major parts beginning around 230 p.m. City Manager Brandon Douglas said the process began months ago with planning and looking ahead. He noted that “signature events” like the Fourth of July show great partnerships between the city and other entities. He noted that there would be costs involved including staff time, stage rental, and other needs from departments like the police who help make the event work.
With that, approval for the event came unanimously with the addition for the City Manager to spend what he feels appropriate “in his limit.”
The council also approve an event in September, furthering their return to general activities and public events. This event, to be held on September 2-5, 2021, is a special event for camping at Lee Newton Park. According to the city, North Georgia Family Partners is reserving the park similar to how they have in the past in order to “accommodate camping for Jeep Fest participants to raise money for the children and families in their program.”
According to the event website, for those who don’t know, “JeepFest raises money for a variety of charities that share one thing in common….they take care of kids. Since the event is hosted by the Sheriff’s Foundation, a non-profit organization, the Board of Directors works each year to identify needs in local, state, and national youth needs to support. Some of the charities that we help include the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes, the Joy House, Special Olympics for Pickens County, the Boys and Girls Club, the Jasper Youth Sports Association and much more!”
As campers start showing up on Thursday, those getting ready for the event would have places to set up for the whole weekend and using facilities at the training center. The city will not be handling the security for the area, but the motion only approved permission for the usage.
Happy 4th of July from the Sunday Edition
Featured Stories July 5, 2020
This Independence Day, we at the Sunday Edition hope had a happy Fourth of July. However, since many counties and cities shut down down events like parades and fireworks, we are bringing you some extra encouragement as we offer some of the photos from fireworks across our coverage area from both this year and recent years.
In our land of the free, we take this day to celebrate with fireworks and family. But remember, it may be fireworks exploding over our heads today, but the explosions of cannon-fire and musket-fire were very different as this nation fought for its freedom. Take nothing for granted and remember those who saw, and even today see, very different explosions while defending us.
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
Are you Aware: Celebrations can continue after the Fourth in July
Just For Fun July 5, 2020
While the Fourth is the premiere day for Americans in July, the month is full of quite a few days and monthly observances. Whatever you are passionate about, it’s probably recognized in July.
July 2020 Monthly Observances
- Bioterrorism/Disaster Education and Awareness Month: Does your family know what to do in case of a tornado? Do you know what a bug-out bag is? This is the month to learn how to handle a disaster.
- Family Golf Month: Grab your clubs and hit the green. Golf is a popular family activity, but if it isn’t your think, hit a miniature golf course and putt-away.
Photo by Dmitry Kovalchuk on Unsplash
Plan a golf trip with the family this month. - International Alopecia Month for Women: alopecia is pattern baldness and it does affect women as well as men. Learn more at WebMD.
- International Zine (small magazine) Month
- National Blueberry Month: blueberry cobbler, blueberry smoothies, blueberry pie. Need we say more?
- National Cell Phone Courtesy Month: Place it on vibrate when appropriate such as court, movie theaters, or church. It’s not that hard.
- National Deli Salad Month: Pick your favorite deli and enjoy crunchy greens with your favorite dressing.
- National “Doghouse Repairs” Month: Fido’s home might need a fresh coat of paint, a few missing shingles replaced. Take care of the pooch.
- National Family Reunion Month: Whether it’s as simple as dinner at your favorite restaurant or a potluck, or a weekend long event, get the cousins, aunts and uncles together for family fun.
- National Grilling Month: fire it up and toss on burgers, fish, chicken, veggies, whatever you like. Find great recipes at Taste of Home.
- National Horseradish Month: celebrate the hardy perennial.National Hot Dog Month: you can throw these on the grill, too, at a family reunion. Serve with blueberries and watermelon.
- National Ice Cream Month: Add blueberries and enjoy at the family reunion. Make your own ice cream for a family fun and tasty treat. You can also take the family to Mayfield Dairy in Athens, Tennessee. For more information, visit here.
- National Make a Difference to Children Month: making a difference doesn’t mean changing the world. Do what you can even if it’s just a smile and a fist bump.
- National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month: The U.S. House of Representatives named July Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in 2008 to help ease the stigma of mental illness.
- National Park and Recreation Month: North Georgia is full of parks from local rec centers to National Parks. Pick a day and go visit.
- National Vacation Rental Month: From beaches to mountains, find a place and go!
- National Watermelon Month: MMMMM, fresh from the garden, farmer’s market, or grocery store, enjoy!
- Smart Irrigation Month: there are many ways to irrigate. Find what works best for your yard, garden, or farm.
- Social Wellness Month: Learn more at the National Institute of Health.
- Women’s Motorcycle Month: According to motorcycle.com, he Motorcycle Safety Foundation says women make up nearly 30 percent of students in its Basic Rider Courses program.
- Worldwide Bereaved Parents Awareness Month: sadly, we probably know someone whose buried a child too soon. Attention is plentiful in the early days, but wanes too quickly. Reach out to them. Let them know you are still there.
See what days are celebrated in July at Not Just Bingo.
Featured image: Photo by Maddi Bazzocco on Unsplash
Read about a monastery located in Resaca, here.
Discover Dahlonega: Why you don’t want to miss this year’s 4th of July in Dahlonega
Arts & Entertainment June 28, 2020
(Article and photos by Courtney Randolph in conjunction with the Dahlonega-Lumpkin Chamber and Visitors Bureau)
Looking for some social-distancing fun, fireworks, and food trucks? Shake up your yearly tradition for the 4th of July by driving up to Dahlonega for this year’s 4th of July! Dahlonega’s 4th of July Celebration is known for providing family-friendly afternoons of patriotic fun, but we decided that we wanted to help families create even bigger, more exciting memories. This year, Dahlonega’s 4th of July Celebration may look a little different, but we will continue to shoot our fireworks high and proud! We want you to enjoy our yearly tradition full day of laughter, live music, good eats, patriotism, and adventures – plus Iron Mountain Park’s spectacular fireworks, of course. Here are a list of reasons why you don’t want to miss this year’s 4th of July.
1. First Friday Night Concert – July 3rd
Start your day off right by joining us in Hancock Park for the First Friday Night Concert Series with Radford Windham & Stepback Cadillac on July 3rd at 6:30 pm. Order take-out from your favorite local business and bring it to the Hancock Park (located one block north of the Square) to spend some quality time with your family and friends. This free series held on the first Friday of each month now through October is an excellent way to wind down from the week and set the tone for a great weekend
2. Dahlonega Action Dogs
Come on out for a “barking” good time from 1 pm – 2 pm! Watch in wonder as the Dahlonega Action Dogs complete a series of Agility, Disc Sports, and Dock Diving tricks. The Dahlonega Action Dog team consists of handlers Rick and Debbie Nielsen and four border collies, Ripp, age 8, Jessie, age 7, Pete, age 3, and puppy Buck.
Tip: This show is completely FREE so bring the family, your lawn chair, and sit a spell with us!
3. Tasty Treats & Food Trucks Galore
Is the wait too long at your favorite local restaurant? Satisfy cravings for gourmet street cuisine at our food trucks located downtown in Hancock Park—these easy meals are sure to please palates of all ages! Cool off at Hancock Park from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with some Kona Ice treats, or choose from any of the food truck options below:
Los Rios Mexican Restaurant
Food Type: Mexican Cuisine
Sunshine Alchemy
Food Type: Gourmet Vegan and Vegetarian
Jerkbrothersatl.
Food Type: Caribbean/Jamaican
Hot Dog Stand
Food Type: Hotdog Meals
Thanks to the Dahlonega Downtown Development Authority for sponsoring this event!
4. Enjoy Jams with the Fam
We believe that we cannot have a 4th of July Celebration without music! This year, downtown Dahlonega will have a full lineup of talented, local musicians that will have you dancing while you stroll and shop downtown in one of USA Today’s 10 Best “Favorite Small Town Shopping Scenes.”
5. Support our Local, American Businesses
While taking in all different genres of music, stroll through our downtown. We encourage you to support these hard-working entrepreneurs and learn more about all of the wonderful organizations in Dahlonega and Lumpkin County at the Visitors Center and Brochure Rack inside the gazebo located next to the Visitors Center.
6. Entertainment for the Kids
Stop by the Visitors Center Gazebo for some kids coloring pages & entertainment. Completely free and fun, and gives the kids something to do while you finish your icy treats, chocolate fudge, or to-go food!
7. Iron Mountain Classic American Festival & Fireworks Celebration
Love parades, fireworks, festivals, and more? Take a short drive up to the Iron Mountain Festival & Fireworks Celebration! Enjoy ATV trails, rental machines to enjoy, camping, local art, & much more.
Iron Mountain is hosting a classic American 4th of July festival…complete with a parade (featuring tractors, big equipment, patriotic Jeeps and offroad toys, and MORE), music, food, tons of family activities, vendors and of course a HUGE fireworks show! A full day of events is planned from 12 pm – dark, so bring a blanket and a lawn chair and make a day of it!
Dahlonega is known for having some of the best regional dining experiences, and we encourage you to enjoy them while you are here. If you are in the mood for something on the go, consider placing a to-go order or grab a snack or meal from one of our food trucks or local restaurants, then grab your blankets and chairs and scope out the perfect viewing spot at Iron Mountain for the spectacular fireworks display that will kick off at dusk.
Tip: To buy your $20 parking tickets ahead of time, click here.
Special thank you to the Dahlonega Mainstreet & Downtown Development Authority and Iron Mountain Resort for helping making this 4th of July special this year!
Read more of Discover Dahlonega on FYN’s SUNDAY EDITION!