Enoch Autry/The Clayton Tribune. North Georgia Fireworks held its annual product display show on June 22 at 1957 Highway 441 South in Clayton as some motorists stopped to watch and others slowed down to see as they traveled.
The United States of America turns 250 on July 4 and several cities have scheduled community events to celebrate the birthday.
City of Clayton
The City of Clayton will be having family-friendly fun on Wednesday, July 1, starting at 6 p.m. at city hall, 837 Highway 76, Clayton.
The event begins with kids’ activities and music. A patriotic-themed drone show will start at dark.
“There will be 200 drones up in the sky and [it] will produce a really cool show,” Kendall Rumsey of the Clayton Merchants and Business Association (CMBA), told Clayton city council members at the June 9 monthly meeting. “They say if it is a really perfect night, you can see the show for two miles.”
City of Clayton City Manager Trudy Crunkleton told The Clayton Tribune Rotary will be cooking hotdogs and hamburgers.
Crunkleton said the Lobster Dogs Food Truck also will be on site during the birthday bash. Those with a sweet tooth can choose between Sugartopia Bakery and The Sugar Shack.
“Bring you chairs, kids, neighbors, neighbors’ kids, and make an evening of it,” Crunkleton said. “This free event is shaping up to be a great kickoff to the 250th Independence Day weekend celebrations. Hope to see you there.”
City of Sky Valley
The City of Sky Valley invites community members to join them next week for the city’s free annual Independence Celebration for 250 years of American Freedom.
Wednesday, July 1, activities include an ice cream social and letter writing to active-duty soldiers at the city pavilion from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
On Thursday, July 2, there will be a patriotic walk and letter writing to active-duty soldiers at the city pavilion starting at 9 a.m.
The Patriotic Walk Trail is from the City Pavilion to Tahoe Road, approximately 1.5 miles round trip. The trail difficulty is easy-to-moderate.
The directions are to start at the City Pavilion on Sky High Drive, walk up Sky High Drive, turn around at Tahoe Road, return down Sky High Drive, and finish back at the City Pavilion.
It is a free community walk. Pets are welcome and no registration is required.
The culmination of events will happen on Friday, July 3, with a birthday blast for America’s 250th.
The Sky Valley Property Owners Association (POA) will have a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
The annual Rubber Duck Race begins at 11 a.m. Race registration is at 10 a.m.
The parade starts at 11:45 a.m. with a hot dog cafe immediately following at the city pavilion. The route will travel from Tahoe Lane down Sky Valley Way to the City Park.
“Join us on July 3, 2026, for Sky Valley’s annual Independence Celebration Parade as we honor 250 years of American Freedom,” Sky Valley city officials said in an online post. “We invite individuals, families, businesses, clubs, golf carts, floats, classic cars, and patriotic groups to walk or ride in our procession of patriotism. Let’s make this year’s parade the biggest and best yet!”
Anyone wanting to be part of Sky Valley’s 250th Independence Celebration Parade can contact Sherron Van Camp at svgacom@skyvalleyga.com or 706-746-2204.
Parade organizers will be onsite to assist with meeting all parade participants at 10:45 a.m. on Tahoe Lane and assign each entry a numbered parade position. Entry names will be provided to the Master of Ceremonies for parade announcements. Prizes will be awarded to the best parade entries.
The July 3 event will have kids’ activities all day and fireworks at dark.
The Sid Weber Memorial Cancer Fund BBQ dinner will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are advance purchase only.
Contact Sky Valley City Hall at 706-746-2204 or visit skyvalleyga.com for more information.
Lakes
Lake Rabun and Lake Burton will host runs during the morning hours on Saturday, July 4, and will have fireworks shows that evening.
The Rabun Ramble will start its 5K and 10K at 7:30 a.m. at the Lake Rabun Pavilion in Lakemont, and the two-mile Lake Burton Fun Run will begin at Moccasin Creek State Park at 9 a.m. as the runners head toward LaPrade’s Marina.
The Ski Patriots will water ski around Lake Burton on Sunday, July 5, to honor America.
This year Seed Lake is turning 100 years old as the United States reaches 250.
The Dillard House
Enjoy a Fourth of July BBQ at The Dillard House.
“No holiday weekend is complete without a great meal,” according to an informative email from The Dillard House. “It’s everything you love about a summer cookout without having to cook a thing.”
The Dillard House is located at 768 Franklin Street, Dillard.
The Independence Day menu at the restaurant includes BBQ ribs, smoked pulled pork, smoked chicken thighs, and fried chicken. The sides are calico salad, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and corn on the cobb. Dessert includes banana pudding and peach shortcake. The cost is $35 for adults and $20 for children.
The Dillard House will also have fun for the whole family including popsicles by the pool, lawn games, evening firepits and s’mores, watermelon socials, children’s activities, pool time, and an America’s 250th birthday cake celebration.
The City of Dillard and Dillard House will not be hosting fireworks this year due to safety concerns with ongoing Highway 441 construction.
“Book your stay today and celebrate the Fourth of July the Dillard House way,” the email said. “We can’t wait to welcome you.”
Publisher Enoch Autry contributed to this article.