When an Independence Day falls on a Thursday, expect popping places like Rabun County to turn the holiday into four consecutive days of celebrating America’s freedom.
The two-week days and the weekend will have plenty of food and lots of entertainment intertwined with great music and uplifting firework shows for special experiences.
Families also can catch “Despicable Me 4” at the drive-in movie; cheer on their favorite rubber ducks in a race; and stay healthy with two footraces around two of Rabun County’s lakes.
The following are scheduled events from Thursday, July 4, to Sunday, July 7 --
12 Spies Vineyards
Thursday, July 4:
-12 Spies Vineyards will have live music from Eduardo Cautino from 1-5 p.m. Cautino interprets blues, jazz and popular music classics. The vineyards is located at 550 Black Branch Rd., Rabun Gap.
Stonewall Creek Vineyards
Thursday, July 4:
-Stonewall Creek Vineyards will have live music by Bryant Tench from 2-5 p.m. Tench’s songs are described as “stripped-down, character-driven narratives, blending original music with an ample dose of covers.” The vineyards is at 323 Standing Deer Lane, Tiger.
Tiger Mountain Vineyards
Thursday, July 4:
-On “Red, White & Freedom Blue Day,” buy two glasses of wine and get a free blueberry wine slushie.
Friday, July 5
-“Flatbread Pizza Special” – Buy any bottle of wine and a flatbread, and get a margherita flatbread free.
Saturday, July 6
-“Exclusive Ticketed Party” – The July Fourth party features live music from 2-5 p.m.; a free keepsake Tiger Mountain Vineyards Stemless Wine Glass; an oversized pour of selected wines; along with flatbread and charcuterie stations. A special barbecue menu also is available.
Sunday, July 7
-“Sunday Brunch” – The menu is put together by Executive Chef Brian Legault. Seating will be available at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. In accordance with local regulations, alcohol cannot be served until 12:30 p.m.
The Dillard House
Thursday, July 4:
-The Dillard House will hold its annual cookout from 5:30-8 p.m. Patrons can enjoy a special cookout menu, plus live entertainment brought by Hunter Grayson from Athens, Ga., for listening and dancing. In 2018, Grayson was awarded the Georgia Country “Male Artist” and “Overall Artist of the Year.” He also has been featured on the television reality show, “Farmer Wants a Wife.”
City of Dillard
Thursday, July 4:
-City of Dillard fireworks display starts at dusk. The annual highly anticipated fireworks show can be seen from Dillard and Rabun Gap.
Tallulah Gorge State Park
Friday, July 5
-The Tallulah Gorge State Park will host “Bear”ly Triathlon, starting at 9 a.m. This is a family event on the Short-line/McKay Trail as people can ride a bike/big wheel/scooter; walk/jog/run; and wade across the Tallulah River at a shallow spot. The event is a loop and ends where the event began. Remember to bring helmets and towels and each family receives a prize. Pre-registration is required. Admission is $15 and parking is $5. Contact the park at 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Rd., Tallulah Falls, at 706-754-7981.
City of Sky Valley
Friday, July 5
-8-10 a.m. -- Sky Valley Property Owners Pancake Breakfast will be at the Sky Valley Country Club Pavilion.
-10-11 a.m. -- The Sky Valley Rubber Duck Race will begin after registration when all 500 ducks for the children are in the water. Registration is at the Walking Trail Bridge. The race begins at 11 a.m. The fastest swimming ducks receive prizes.
-11:15 a.m. -- Sky Valley Grand Parade starts at Tahoe Lane and ends at the Sky Valley Park. There are prizes for parade entries and the Grandstand Master of Ceremony will announce the parade entries. All entries should be at Tahoe Lane by 10:45 a.m.
-5:30-8 p.m. -- Sid Weber Cancer Fund BBQ will have pick up for BBQ dinners at the Sky Valley Country Club pavilion before 8 p.m. Tickets are available at various spots in Sky Valley and in Dillard, and also on the Sid Weber Memorial Cancer Fund website sidwebercancerfund.org. Bring your own lawn chairs.
-9:15 p.m. -- Fireworks will be on display over the lake by the golf course.
Seed Lake
Friday, July 5
-The Seed Lake Fireworks Show will start at 9 p.m. Funding for the event comes from the residents as the money pays for the fireworks and fire boat that will be on scene to help keep everyone safe. The fireworks can be viewed by boat or limited shoreline locations.
Rabun Arena
Friday, July 5 & Saturday, July 6:
-The Bar W Rodeo will be at the 100 East Boggs Mountain Rd. arena at 8 p.m. each night. Gates open at 6 p.m. Tickets can be bought in advance online at eventbrite.com or at the gate for adults at $20; children ages 5-10 for $10; and free for children under the age of 4. Only cash will be accepted at the gate.
Lake Rabun
Wednesday, July 3:
-Lake Rabun Association Golf Tournament will be at Orchard Golf and Country Club in Clarkesville from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. This year the golf tourney is an afternoon event.
Friday, July 5
-Fireworks will be on display at the Dike at dusk at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 6:
-The Rabun Ramble Road Race starts at 7:30 a.m. The 5K and 10K races begin and end at the Lake Rabun Pavilion. For more information about the $35 race, go to the Rabun Ramble website at rabunramble.com.
-The BBQ and Bluegrass festival will be held from 6-10 p.m. Dinner provided by Twin Smokers from 6-7:30 p.m. with music by The Foxfire Boys. Tickets are required for dinner and the dance is open to all Lake Rabun Association members and guests.
Sunday, July 7:
-The Lake Rabun Wooden Boat Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. In 2022, Rabun County was named by the state legislature as the “Wooden Boat Capital of Georgia.” The parade starts at Mathis Dam and will be led by Admiral Thad Warren.
Lake Burton
Saturday, July 6:
-The 38th annual Lake Burton Fun Run is a two-mile event for running entrants may register online at www.lakeburtonfunrun.com as the run begins at Moccasin Creek State Park in Clarkesville and goes to LaPrade’s Marina. The $35 race begins at 9 a.m. and hay rides/shuttles start at approximately 7:45 a.m. to take runners from LaPrade’s up to the starting line. Email lakeburtonfunrun@gmail.com for more information.
-The Independence Day Fireworks Show will be at dusk at 9:30 p.m. from South End of Billy Goat Island, Lake Burton. People can view the fireworks by boat or from a boathouse. The fireworks is a community-sponsored event with the suggested donation of $100 per family. Details available at lakeburtonfireworks.com.
Sunday, July 7:
-The Lake Burton Ski Patrol Salute to America starts at 11:30 a.m. as eight skiers at a time water ski with American flags around the edge of the lake. The Patriots begin and end the show in Magness Cove by Billy Goat Island.
Black Rock Mountain State Park
Saturday, July 6:
-July 4th Celebration will be from 4-6 p.m. at Black Rock Mountain State Park. See what fun craft ideas you can come up with using just air-dry clay and natural materials found around the park. Whether you decide to craft your own critter, a plant print ornament, or something totally different and unique, the possibilities are endless. Meet at the Mellinger Center. Parking at the park is $5.
Tallulah Falls
Saturday, July 6:
-Each Saturday through October, Saturday Night Bluegrass Jam is held in “downtown” Tallulah Falls Main Street. Bring lawn chairs to watch and instruments to join in with the playing. The music starts at 6 p.m. and usually ends around 9 p.m. The event features a bonfire.
Tiger Drive-In
Saturday, July 6:
-The Tiger Drive-In will hold its annual fireworks and movie event at the 2956 Old 441 South, Tiger, location. The gates open at 7 p.m. as the movie “Despicable Me 4” starts at 9:30 p.m. with the fireworks show right before the beginning of the movie. The playground for children and concession stand will be available.