Traditions run deep in these parts and Independence Day celebrations on Lake Burton, Lake Rabun, Seed Lake, and Lake Yonah are no exception. Residents adorn their beautiful homes and boathouses with banners of red, white, and blue as BBQ, sliced watermelon and apple pie are prepared to fill the happy bellies of visiting friends and family. A regatta of boats is cleaned and decorated in preparation for the 38th Annual Lake Rabun Wooden Boat Parade. Runners rise with the sun to practice their sprints in hopes of earning a medal at the annual Lake Rabun Ramble or Lake Burton Fun Run. Festivities are not limited to our lake communities. There is something for everyone to enjoy in celebration of our great Nation in the coming week! See below for a list of local Independence Day activities:

Saturday, June 30, 2018

Rabun Ramble Road Race – This 5K and 10K race is organized by the Lake Rabun Association. Proceeds are donated to the Lake Rabun Foundation which provides scholarships to local students. Race starts at 7:30AM. Plan to arrive early for parking and check-in. For additional information and to register, visit: rabunramble.com

Speed Addicts Racing – If you have a need for speed, check out this half-mile fast car race located at Heaven’s Landing. The event is all day Saturday, June 30th and Sunday, July 1st. To register and for additional information visit: speedaddicts.racing

Blackberries & Bluegrass @ Hillside Orchard – Visit Hillside Orchard for a fun-filled day on the farm with live Bluegrass and fresh u-pick blackberries that are ripe and ready to be enjoyed! For additional information, visit: hillsideorchard.com

Bluegrass on the Square @ Tallulah Falls – Bring a picnic blanket and ‘cop a squat’ on the lawn with friends. This is a free event from 7-9pm weather permitting. For additional information, visit: tallulahfallsgeorgia.org

Sunday, July 1, 2018

Gorge Floor Hike @ Tallulah Gorge – Experience Tallulah Gorge up close! Space is VERY limited so be sure to call ahead to reserve your spot. For additional information, visit: gastateparks.org/tallulahgorge

Wooden Boat Parade @ Lake Rabun – The 38th Annual Wooden Boat Parade will start around 10:30AM near the earthen dam on Lake Rabun. Please visit lakerabun.org for additional information.

Fireworks @ Lake Rabun – The annual Lake Rabun fireworks will begin around 9:30PM at the earthen dam. Please visit lakerabun.org for additional information.

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Annual Independence Celebration @ Sky Valley – Enjoy a BBQ dinner, music and a fireworks display at the annual Sky Valley Independence Day Celebration! For tickets and additional information, visit: skyvalleyga.com

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Eddie Rush on the Veranda at 12 Spies Vineyards – Come out and enjoy live music performed by Eddie Rush while you sample 12 Spie Vineyards wine!

Friday, July 6, 2018

Parker Ranch Parlor Session Michelle Malone – Michelle Malone is a singer/songwriter with some mean guitar skills. Space is very limited for this intimate event so please call ahead to make reservations. For tickets and information please visit: parkersranch.com

Bar W Rodeo – Enjoy some cowboy flavor with bull riding, and barrel racing at Bar W Rodeo. For tickets and additional information, visit: WWW.facebook.com/BarWrodeoco or call 706-897-0956

Saturday, July 7, 2018

Lake Burton Fun Run – Lace up your running shoes and go for the gold at the 34th Annual Lake Burton Fun Run! Race starts at 8AM. Be sure to arrive early for parking. For additional information and to register, visit: lakeburtonfunrun.com

Gorge Floor Hike @ Tallulah Gorge – Experience Tallulah Gorge up close! Space is VERY limited so be sure to call ahead to reserve your spot. For additional information, visit: gastateparks.org/tallulahgorge

Historic Barker’s Creek Grist Mill Demonstration – The Hambidge Center’s historic grist mill demonstrations are the first Saturday of each month. For additional information, visit: hambidge.org/the-mill.html

Fireworks on Lake Burton – The grand finale to a fun-filled week of celebrating our Independence! Fireworks will begin at 9:30PM and will be best viewed from the Southern end of Lake Burton. For additional information, visit: lakeburtonfireworks.com

Happy 242nd birthday America!

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that ALL men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” ~Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776