4th of July Kickoff
BEGINS IN AREA COMMUNITIES
On July 4, 1776, 235 years ago, America claimed its independence from Britain and Democracy was born.
CELEBRATE THE 4th AROUND TOWN
Madison
Keeping with the patriotic traditions, numerous vendors and venues in and around Madison will offer Independence Day-centered festivities, beginning Friday, July 1.
Kicking off the holiday excitement will be the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center, with a 6 p.m. Independence Day concert and picnic at 434 S. Main St. Fireworks will follow at around 9 p.m. at Heritage Park. Attendees are encouraged to pack their own baskets/lunches. The event is sponsored by Jones, Ewing, Dobbs & Tamplin, Inc.
Rutledge
The Sunflower Farm Festival will offer music by Red White & Bluegrass, an artists’ market, hay and pony rides, cut-your-own sunflowers, food, antique tractors and gardens. Festivities will take place from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Saturday, July 2 through Monday, July 4 at the farm at 1430 Durden Road, in Rutledge. Admission is $5, kids under 4 years old get in free. For more information, call 706-557-2870 or visit www.sunflowerfarmfestival.com.
The Centennial Baptist Church in Rutledge will hold its annual Starlight Spectacular beginning at 7:30 p.m., July 3. Free food and beverages, live music, door prizes and big inflatables for children will excite. The event is free and open for all whom wish to join. Fireworks will begin at nightfall. All are encouraged to arrive early and to bring their own lawn chairs. For more information, call the church at 706-557-2120.
Dixie Dock Dogs, Hog Mountain Road
The Great American Dawg Jump will run all weekend through July 4 at Oconee Veterans Park, Hog Mountain Road. Sponsored by Dixie Dock Dogs, an affiliate of Dock Dogs USA, dogs from all over the country will compete in dock-diving events. To register your canine, visit www.DockDogs.com. Further information can be found at www.DixieDockDogs.com, or by calling Nancy and Bill Akin at 706-540-9395.
Lake Oconee Village
Sunday, July 3, Village Meadow at Lake Oconee Village will welcome A1A, the official and original Jimmy Buffet tribute band at 7 p.m. The Independence Day celebration will have a Caribbean twist. For more information, please visit the Oconee Performing Arts Society Web site at www.opas.org.
“Cruise for a Cure”
Sunday will also feature the “Cruise for a Cure” fundraiser for Morgan County Relay for Life at 2:45 p.m. at the Sunflower Farm and Festival, 1430 Durden Road. Attendees are encouraged to decorate their bicycles, golf carts or any other available silent mode of transportation in patriotic-themed decor in honor of someone battling cancer or who has lost the fight. Awards will be given to those who raise the most money, flaunt the best decoration and more. There is a $10 registration fee. Further information can be obtained by contacting Beth Bradley at 770-377-9244.
Bostwick July 4th Barbecue
On Monday, the city of Bostwick will hold its annual July 4th Barbecue from noon until 2 p.m. in downtown Bostwick. All-you-can-eat adult plates are $10, children’s plates, $5. Carry-outs are available. The event is sponsored by the Bostwick Fire Department, Masonic Lodge and the City of Bostwick. Proceeds benefit the fire department, as well as the Masonic children’s home. For more information, contact Angie Howard at 706-342-0182.
Barbecue at Buckhead
“Barbecue at Buckhead” will take place Monday from 6-8 p.m., July 4 at the local fire station. Food is $7 a plate and fireworks will electrify the sky at dark.
On the Water
For those wishing to celebrate on the water, Monday will also witness two of Lake Oconee’s largest firework displays, one at the Ritz-Carlton Lodge in Greensboro, and another at Great Waters, Reynolds Plantation. If you wish to watch it by boat, it’s encouraged to arrive early. Shows will begin at nightfall.
Lake Sinclair’s Crooked Creek Marina, 208 Crooked Creek Drive, will also offer a firework display the evening of July 4. For more information, call 706-485-9693.
Printed in the June 30, 2011 edition