Blue Ridge Goes All-Out for July 4: 5K, Old Timers' Parade and an Extra-Large Lake Fireworks Show for America's 250th

Fannin County will pack Independence Day with a full slate of events on Saturday, July 4 — from a sunrise downtown 5K and the decades-old Old Timers' Parade to an all-day celebration in McCaysville and a fireworks show over Lake Blue Ridge that organizers are billing as bigger than usual to mark America's 250th anniversary. For locals, that means road closures, early crowds downtown, and a long day of activity worth planning around, according to the region's official visitor guide.

The day starts downtown at 7:30 a.m.

The Blue Ridge Freedom 5K kicks things off with a scenic morning run through historic downtown Blue Ridge, according to the visitor guide. It's an early start — 7:30 a.m. — but it sets the tone for a full day and gets participants finished well before the parade crowds arrive.

A mountain tradition since the 1950s

At 10 a.m., the beloved Old Timers' Parade steps off from Blue Ridge City Park and rolls through downtown. The parade, hosted by the Blue Ridge Business Association, has been a Fourth of July fixture since the 1950s, celebrating the way Blue Ridge used to be with vintage cars, floats, period attire, and community groups.

Because the parade route runs through the heart of downtown, residents should expect street closures, congestion, and limited parking through the late morning. Arriving early and finding a spot on foot is the safe bet.

McCaysville's all-day Twin Cities celebration

About 15 minutes north, the border town of McCaysville hosts a full day of family-friendly events tied to the nation's 250th, according to the visitor guide. Here's how the day is laid out:

The market brings fresh vegetables, crafts, and local goods to the landmark steel bridge that connects McCaysville to Copperhill, Tennessee, while the car show and midday parade anchor the afternoon. The day wraps with a rodeo finale at the Copperhill Ball Field, per the visitor guide.

The main event: fireworks over Lake Blue Ridge

The day builds to a 9:30 p.m. fireworks display over Lake Blue Ridge. Organizers describe this year's show as an enhanced, extra-large display over the water in honor of the 250th anniversary, according to the visitor guide.

Plan your Fourth

Between the early crowds downtown and the evening rush to the lake, a little planning goes a long way. Bring lawn chairs, sunscreen, and water, and build in extra time for parking on what is typically one of the busiest days of the year in the mountains. Event times and details can shift, so confirm with organizers before heading out.

For more local coverage, visit the Blue Ridge Georgia Community Website and browse our events and community stories for more of what's happening around town. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, and join the conversation in our Community Forum to share your favorite fireworks-watching spot and parade photos with your neighbors.