It’s time to celebrate the 4th of July. Maybe you’re like me, and you have waited until the last minute to decide what you’ll do on this day we recognize our country’s birth.  With the date roaring in soon, now is a good time to take a look and see what’s going on around Georgia.  For most of us, it is a little too late to jet off to a faraway destination, so a staycation is in order for July 4th, twenty-seventeen. Here are our picks for a 4th filled with excitement, fun and ol’ time celebration.

Peachtree Road Race

• 10K race with over 60,000 participants every year, starts in the Buckhead community and finishes in Piedmont Park
• There are over 150,000 spectators in attendance for the event, arrive before 7 am to get a great seat along the route or just enjoy the atmosphere of the race
• In the evening, catch fireworks celebrations in Centennial Olympic Park (the largest fireworks show in the Southeast, this year headlined by Bobby Brown) or Stone Mountain

Fantastic Fourth of July at Stone Mountain

• Catch the Lasershow Spectacular, a great Atlanta tradition, with state-of-the-art graphics and special effects, accompanied by live music, fire effects, and a great fireworks finale after the laser show

Dahlonega’s Fourth of July Celebration

• Firecracker 5K through scenic Historic Downtown Dahlonega
• All-American Market featuring traditional crafts, handmade items available for purchase from regional artists and craftspeople made in the USA, food from local vendors will also be available
• Adventure Zone is featuring attractions such as water slides, bounce houses, etc.
• Dahlonega Car Show featuring over 150 classic cars from Dahlonega Car Club
• A colorful parade through the historic square
• A firework show with viewing spots available at the University of North Georgia Drill Field

July 4th Mountain Style at Unicoi State Park and Lodge in Helen

• Watermelon eating and seed-spitting contests
• Sack races
• Live music
• Hoedown

July 4th Celebration in Savannah

• Patriotic decorating contest (for pets, yourself, your bikes, etc.)
• Hayrides
• Crafts
• Greased pole climb
• A community campfire
• River Street Fireworks show

Fireworks Display at Tybee Island

• Held on the pier, and you can watch from the beach, be sure to get there early because parking spaces fill up fast
• Weekend events also include Market at the Lighthouse (featuring fossil arts and handmade soaps) and a Savannah Songwriters Series (four singer-songwriters sharing songs and stories)

Marietta Freedom Parade

• 110 entries and an estimated 30,000 spectators
• Begins at 10 am at Roswell Street Baptist Church, travels west on Roswell Street and ends at North Marietta Parkway
• Entries include marching units, civic organizations, beauty queens, scouts and local businesses
• At the end of the parade is a festival with food concessions, arts and crafts and a carnival
• There will be live music, museum tours, and a fireworks finale

Fourth of July Celebration at Lake Lanier Islands

• Live DJ providing music
• Beach volleyball game
• 30-minute fireworks display starting at 10 pm

 

 

Brunswick’s Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration

• Takes place in the Mary Ross Waterfront Park in Downtown Brunswick
• Free watermelon slices available for everyone
• Live music and old-fashioned games like sack races, water balloon tossing, hula hoop contests
• At dark, a fireworks show will be on display over the East River