By Megan Horn and Enoch Autry
Tribune Staff
Independence Day is Friday, July 4, and there are many fun happenings in Rabun County this weekend to celebrate the birthday of the United States of America.
Join The Dillard House for its annual Independence Day celebration on Friday.
The Dillard House announced it is happy to sponsor this year’s fireworks in Dillard.
“Since we have construction going on, we won’t be able to have our traditional lawn party,” according to The Dillard House website.
The business will be serving a delicious BBQ buffet inside the Conference Center during regular restaurant hours, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Dillard House will not be taking reservations.
Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. and can be viewed on the property by hotel and restaurant guests. Bring a chair for fireworks viewing and get ready to have a memorable holiday at The Dillard House!
“We look forward to getting back to our bigger and better than ever Fourth of July party next year after construction is complete,” according to the website. “We thank you for your understanding and can’t wait to celebrate the fourth with you!”
The Dillard House is located at 768 Franklin Street, Dillard.
Visit https://www.dillardhouse.com/ for more information.
City of Sky Valley Independence Day festivities
Community members are invited to the City of Sky Valley’s annual Independence Day celebration on Saturday, July 5.
The all-day, family-friendly activities prove to be fun for all free of charge. The city will be decorated in red, white and blue.
Registration for the rubber duck race begins at 10 a.m. The patriotic parade will begin at 11:45 a.m. The route will be Tahoe Lane down Sky Valley Way to the City Park.
There will be a hotdog cafe after the parade and kids’ activities in the morning and afternoon.
For those who bought tickets in advance, Sid Weber Memorial Cancer Fund will be having its annual BBQ at the Sky Valley Country Club pavilion from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The menu includes pulled pork, pulled chicken, baked beans, cole slaw, buns, sauce and a cookie with water. The food is cooked by award winning pitmasters and is takeout only.
Tickets can only be purchased in advance. No tickets will be sold during the barbecue. The cost is $20 for adults; $10 for children aged 4-10; and free for children under the age of 3.
Contact Bruce Gant at 404-357-6505 or Tom Smith at 407-404-4268 to check for ticket availability.
Sky Valley Independence Day T-shirts are available at Sky Valley City Hall, 3608 Highway 246, Sky Valley. The cost is $20 and sizes small-3XL are available.
Fireworks will light up the sky at dark and community members and visitors alike are invited to watch.
Visit https://skyvalleyga.com/ for more information.
Local events for Independence Day
Lake Rabun
Thursday, July 3
-Fireworks at Lake Rabun will be on display at the Dike from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, July 6:
-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.
Black Rock Mountain State Park
Friday, July 4
-An Independence Day Celebration program will be held at Black Rock Mountain State Park in Mountain City from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. will be an Independence Day Lake Walk: Start off your Independence Day enjoying America the Beautiful with an easy walk around the lake. You’ll get your steps in before any BBQ festivities and learn about some of our native plants around the lake. Meet at the Black Rock Lake trailhead by the parking area at 10 a.m. All events at Black Rock Mountain State Park do require a $5 Park Pass or an Annual Pass for each vehicle.
-An Independence Day Celebration program will be held at Black Rock Mountain State Park in Mountain City from 2 p.m.- 4 p.m., there will be Star-Spangled Crafts: Make some fun, patriotic crafts to celebrate Independence Day, and learn some fun facts about Bald Eagles, our national emblem. Stop by the Mellinger Center anytime between 2-4 p.m. All events at Black Rock Mountain State Park do require a $5 Park Pass or an Annual Pass for each vehicle.
Dillard House
Thursday, July 4:
-The Dillard House will serve a barbecue buffet inside the Conference Center during regular restaurant hours. Reservations will not be taken.
Dillard
Thursday, July 4:
-Dillard fireworks display hosted by The Dillard House starts at 9:30 p.m. The annual highly anticipated fireworks show can be seen from Dillard and Rabun Gap. Bring your own chair for the fireworks.
Stonewall Creek Vineyards
Friday, July 4 to Sunday, July 6
-Join Stonewall Creek Vineyards for wine, music and BBQ over the July 4 weekend. The vineyards will have music on Thursday, July 3, with Bryant Tench; Friday, July 4, will be Breeze Cable; Saturday, July 5, will be Sweet Charity, and Sunday, July 6, will be Ray Ferrara. The annual neighborhood parade through the vineyard will be on July 4 at 4 p.m. BBQ plates will be for sale. No cover charge.
Tiger Mountain Vineyards
Friday, July 4:
-Smash burger special with sides, wine or slushy, and souvenir glass for $28 from noon to 5 p.m. Live music from Lucas J. Smith Music from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Specials on wine all weekend.
Saturday, July 5
-Music by Monica Spears from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Specials on wine all weekend.
Sunday, July 6
-Cashe live from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Specials on wine all weekend.
Sky Valley
Saturday, July 5
-The Sky Valley Property Owners Pancake Breakfast at the Sky Valley Country Club Pavilion from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The Sky Valley celebration begins at 10 a.m. and will go throughout the day with a parade, food trucks and fireworks to conclude the day.
-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.
-11:45 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.
-5:30-7:30 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.
-At dark -- Fireworks will be on display over the lake by the golf course.
Rabun Ramble Road Race
Saturday, July 5
-Rabun Ramble Road Race, 5K and 10K races begin at 7:30 a.m. at the Lake Rabun Pavilion. Registration opened on April 1 at Active.com and costs $35 until June 23; then $45 from June 24 until July 4; and $50 on July 5, which is race day. Details: rabunramble.com.
Lake Burton Fun Run
Saturday, July 5
-For the 41st annual Lake Burton Fun Run, runners may register for the two-mile event online at www.lakeburtonfunrun.com as the run begins at LaPrade’s Marina in Clarkesville at Moccasin Creek State Park. The $35 race begins at 9 a.m. and hay rides/shuttles start at approximately 7:45 a.m. from LaPrade’s up to the starting line. Email lakeburtonfunrun@gmail.com for more information.
Tallulah Falls
Saturday, July 5
-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 5
-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 “Jurassic World” 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.
Lake Burton Fireworks
Saturday, July 5
-Independence Day Fireworks Show, 9:30 p.m., South End of Billy Goat Island, Lake Burton. View fireworks by boat or from a boathouse. Community-sponsored event; suggested donation of $100 per family. Details: lakeburtonfireworks.com.
Rabun Arena
Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6:
-The Bar W Rodeo will be at the 100 East Boggs Mountain Rd. arena at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, and 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 6. Gates open at 6 p.m. Tickets can be bought in advance online at eventbrite.com or at the gate for adults at $25; children ages 5-10 for $10; and free for children under the age of 4. Only cash will be accepted at the gate.
Lake Burton Ski Patriots
Sunday, July 6
-Lake Burton Ski Patriots Salute to America, begins 11 a.m. as eight skiers will ski with American flags. The Patriots begin and end the show in Magness Cove by Billy Goat Island. The route starts at 11:30 a.m.