Blue Ridge celebrates Independence Day with annual parade
Community, Downtown Blue Ridge, Festivals July 5, 2023FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. — At 10 a.m., on the morning of Independence Day, both tourists and locals gathered in Downtown Blue Ridge to watch as The Old Timers’ Parade made its way down East Main Street. The event, hosted by the Blue Ridge Business Association, was just one of the Fourth of July events in the area.
On their website, the Blue Ridge Business Association says the parade has been a part of holiday traditions in the Blue Ridge since the 1950s. Government officials, local businesses, organizations, and even a family reunion took part in the parade through town.
Patrons of the parade watched from the street-side as the Fannin County Fire Department made a memorable appearance with several fire trucks.
Representatives of the Blue Ridge and Fannin County Government also made appearances.
Well known establishments in the community made their way through downtown as well. The Blue Ridge Community Theater, Grumpy Old Men Brewing, and Project Chimps were just some.
As the morning’s festivities came to a close, the Tri-State Community Band performed for visitors in the downtown area. Opening with the National Anthem, the band performed several songs to celebrate the Fourth.
Other Patrons
Old Timers’ Parade kicks off Fourth of July celebrations
Community, Downtown Blue Ridge July 5, 2022FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. — The Old Timers’ Parade made its way down Main Street at 10 a.m. on July 4, 2022. The event, sponsored by the Blue Ridge Business Association, was the beginning of Independence Day celebrations.
The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce notes that the parade has been a part of holiday celebrations in the city since the 1950s. Government officials, local businesses, and local organizations all made their way down Main Street for the event. The Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge and the Blue Ridge Community Theater were just some that had floats in the parade.
After the Old Timers’ Parade, the Tri-State Community Band performed in downtown. The band performed several songs, including “Georgia on My Mind.”
Parade attendee Shelby Belt told FYN: “I love the Fourth of July Parade because you see our community come together as one to celebrate freedom!”
Independence Day Celebrations in Fannin County
Community, Festivals, News July 2, 2020Blue Ridge, Ga. – While the continued concern surrounding Covid-19 has changed some of the traditions of Fannin County’s Annual Independence Day celebration, the show must go on.
Parades that usually flow through the streets of downtown Blue Ridge will be cancelled this July 4th, but the fireworks extravaganza in both Blue Ridge and McCaysville are set to take place.
July 3rd
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway will be open and operating again in time for this holiday weekend. The Scenic Railway is offering the Firecracker Special train.
According to the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce website, the train will depart downtown Blue Ridge at 7:00 p.m. and make its way to McCaysville. Passengers can enjoy the great Copper Basin Fireworks display and return to Blue Ridge by 11:00 p.m.
Visitors to the twin cities of McCaysville, Ga. and Copperhill, Tn. are invited to view the fireworks display that is set to begin shortly before nightfall. City officials in McCaysville have promised that this year’s show will be “bigger than ever”.
Downtown activities will be set up in McCaysville and Copperhill, including lots of vendors for food and things to do with the kids until the fireworks start.
July 4th
The Lake Blue Ridge Civic Association will host its annual Lake Blue Ridge Fireworks. The fireworks are scheduled to begin at dusk. Suggested viewing points for this year’s display are, Morganton Point Recreation Area, from a boat in Lake Blue Ridge near the Lake Blue Ridge Dam, Lake Blue Ridge Dam as well as adjacent area by the “tower in the lake”, and the Lake Blue Ridge Marina.
While in town for the weekend be sure to check out the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association (BRMAA) Smithsonian Institution Exhibit, Crossroads: Change in Rural America. This special exhibition runs through July 17.
“Crossroads uses photos, objects, film, audio, and interactive technology to explore broader themes of identity, land, community, persistence, and response to change, as well as the role our rural communities have played in shaping the American cultural landscape. Crossroads encourages conversations about local history, explores the pleasures and challenges of living rural, examines how change has made an impact on our communities, and prompts discussion of goals for the future.”
You can find Independence Day celebrations in neighboring counties by clicking here : FYN Georgia News
Featured Image courtesy of Fannin County Chamber of Commerce