Celebrating America’s freedom will be on full display locally in the days leading up to our Independence Day as loads of food and plenty of entertainment will be mixed in with superb music and energizing firework shows for an uplifting experience.
You also can catch the newest Indiana Jones flick at the drive-in movie; cheer on rubber ducks in a race; and get in some exercise in footraces around two Rabun County lakes.
The following are a variety of scheduled events from Friday, June 30, to Tuesday, July 4, that are open to the public, so enjoy:
Rabun Arena
Friday, June 30 & Saturday, July 1:
-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.
Tiger Mountain Vineyards
Saturday, July 1, Sunday, July 2
-With limited tickets available, the Tiger Mountain Vineyards will be open both days from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. for a weekend of relaxation and fun. The vineyards has award-winning wines and also craft beers and wine slushies.
Tallulah Falls
Saturday, July 1:
-Saturday Night Bluegrass Jam is held in “downtown” Tallulah Falls on Main Street. People are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs to watch and also to bring their own instruments to join in the music. The music starts at 6 p.m. and usually ends at about 9 p.m. as the event features a bonfire.
The Dillard House
Monday, July 3:
-Cookout and live entertainment will be on the Rock House lawn from 5:30-8 p.m. Beer, wine and specialty drinks are available for purchase. Live entertainment will be by Hunter Grayson, a real-life rancher, singer, song writer, and starred on “Farmer Wants a Wife.” The cookout is $34.95 for adults; $22.95 for young adults (12-16); $16.95 for children (4-11); and free for children 3 and under. The menu includes grilled chicken kebobs, poached salmon, hamburgers with cheese, all-beef hotdogs and a variety of sides and desserts. For tickets, call 1-800-541-0671 or email reservations@dillardhouse.com. The rain contingency is the conference center.
Tuesday, July 4:
-Live entertainment will be performed by Hunter Grayson at the cookout for your listening and dancing pleasure. The event will have a BBQ cookout with chicken, ribs and pork plus sides and desserts. The cookout is $39.95 for adults; $28.95 young adults (12-16); $24.95 for children (4-11); and free for children under 3. Fireworks will be on the Rock House Lawn beginning at dusk. Cash bar will be available. Visit the Dillard House website for more information or email reservations@dillardhouse.com for tickets.
City of Sky Valley
Monday, July 3:
-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 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.
-11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sky Valley/Scaly Mountain Fire Department will host a hot dog cafe at the Sky Valley City Pavilion.
-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 the Sky Valley Pro Shop, Sky Valley Timeshares office, Poss Realty Sky Valley, Reeves location in Dillard, and the Sid Weber Memorial Cancer Fund website sudwevercancerfund.org. Bring your own lawn chairs.
-9:15 p.m. Fireworks will be on display over the lake by the golf course.
Lake Burton
Saturday, July 1:
-The 37th annual Lake Burton Fun Run online registration is ongoing with limited spaces left. Registration ends Saturday, June 1, at 9:10 a.m. The race begins at 9 a.m. and hay rides/shuttles start around 7:45 a.m. from LaPrade’s up to the starting line. Email lakeburtonfunrun@gmail.com for more information.
-Fireworks will be at approximately 9:30 p.m. from South End of Billy Goat Island at Lake Burton. People can view the fireworks by boat or from a boathouse. Community-sponsored event; suggested donation of $100 per family. For more details, visit lakeburtonfireworks.com.
Sunday, July 2:
-The Lake Burton Ski Patriots Salute to America will start at 11 a.m. as eight skiers at a time ski around the lake with American flags. Live updates on the skiers’ locations will be posted on the Lake Burton Homeowners Facebook page.
Lake Rabun
Saturday, July 1:
-The Rabun Ramble Road Race starts at 7:30 a.m. The 5K and 10K races start and end at the Lake Rabun Pavilion. For more information about the $35 race, go to the Rabun Ramble website rabunramble.com or the race Facebook page.
-The BBQ and Bluegrass festival will be held from 6-10 p.m. Dinner provided by Twin Smokers 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 2:
-The Wooden Boat Regatta starts at 10:30 a.m. at Big Basin on Lake Rabun as the event is led by Admiral Thad Warren.
-Fireworks will be on display at the Dike at dusk at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Monday, July 3:
-Lake Rabun Association Golf Tournament will be at Orchard Golf and Country Club in Clarkesville from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Black Rock Mountain State Park
Saturday, July 1:
-A Full Moon Hike at Black Rock Mountain State Park in Mountain City will be from 7:45 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. People will be able to hike to the suspension bridge and watch the moon rise. Individuals must register in advance. The fee is $10 plus $5 for parking. For more information, call 706-746-2141.
Tallulah Gorge State Park
Saturday, July 1:
-Beginner Archery will be conducted at Tallulah Gorge State Park in Tallulah Falls from 1-2:30 p.m.
People can come learn how to shoot a bow for the first time or hone their skills. Individuals of all ages are welcome as long as they are strong enough to pull a 30-pound bow. The cost is $10 plus $5 for parking. For more information, call 706-754-7981.