It’s been quite a bit warmer in the afternoon, with mornings starting out about 70. The dry spell has continued, with only a drizzle of rain in the past week at our place. (It was 82 on the porch after work, and considerably hotter in town.)
The DNR’s Georgia Wild newsletter has an interesting feature on the Kestrel, our smallest falcon.
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/GADNR/bulletins/14f52ec
I usually see these during the migration seasons, on the telephone wires along the old highway near the Fannin/Union county line. According to the article, they are declining in part of their range in Georgia due to replacement of power poles that had a good space for their nests.
The Chuck Nation Band is bringing their bluegrass to the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina on July 1st.
Festival Barn. July 1, 2016 7-8 pm Free Admission, Donations appreciated. The Chuck Nation Band is a bluegrass/acoustic music band based in North Georgia that has performed over 400 shows since 2010, completed their second tour of Ireland in 2014 covering sixteen cities, and will debut in New York City at Carnegie Hall in May 2015. Whether it’s old favorites, modern songs, or original material, The Chuck Nation Band delivers professional grade, lively music that engages and entertains an audience from the moment they take the stage until the rousing applause at the end of the show. Their most recent CD, On A High High Mountain, was released August 2013 and includes former Bill Monroe Bluegrass Boy Curtis Blackwell and former Dolly Parton band leader Gary Biscuit Davis. One of Chuck’s YouTube videos, with national banjo champion Charles Wood, has already reached almost 50,000 hits! Close harmony vocals and superb instrumental playing help create their distinctive sound. www.chucknationband.com
John C. Campbell Folk School
Because the 4th falls on a Monday, many activities have been scheduled over the weekend.
In McCaysville, fireworks are on Friday evening, the 1st.
10 to 15 minutes from downtown Blue Ridge, take Hwy 5 by McDonalds.
Take the car or hop on the Blue Ridge Scenic RR, Firecracker Express to see the fireworks shot off from the top of Tater Hill. The TriCities Business Association continues a long standing Copper Basin tradition of celebrating our nation’s independence with a fireworks display from the top of “Tater Hill” in McCaysville a half an hour past sunset (approximately 9:30 pm). Rubber Duck Race with Prizes begin on the two bridges at 1:00 p.m. Our 2016 display will be conducted on Friday Evening, July 1st. The fireworks can be seen from almost all areas of town. Pre-fireworks activities start at 6:00pm. Stores & Restaurants will be open late, with live music and entertainment at several locations downtown. Sponsored by the TCBA, the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce and Glen Springs Holdings. Fireworks begin at 9:30 but get there early for a place to park and enjoy the downtown festivities. Tri Cities Business Association. 706-964-6531.
There’s also a boat parade on Lake Blue Ridge on the 1st.
Blue Ridge GA
Come watch the Boats on Lake Blue Ridge Light up the Lake! On July 1st (Friday) at 8:00 pm – Weather Permitting – Boats will get in the water at Lakewood Boat Ramp Cove and head over toward the dam. Boats can be seen from the Dam, as well as Morganton Point, and a few other spots on the Lake. The MARINA WILL NOT BE ACCESSIBLE AT THIS TIME IN PREPARATION FOR FIREWORKS AND EVENT ON JULY 2nd! Hope you can come on out and enjoy the boats and the lights! Lake Blue Ridge Civic Association.
The parade in downtown Blue Ridge is on the 2nd.
Hwy 76/515 to Blue Ridge, turn right at United Community Bank
Bring the family to town for an old-fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 2nd in downtown Blue Ridge featuring the Feed & Seed Marching Abominable Band! Begins at 10:00 a.m. Fireworks will be displayed at the Lake Blue Ridge Marina at dusk.
Blue Ridge Business Association. 706-258-2750.
The fireworks at the marina on Lake Blue Ridge are also on the 2nd. The best place to watch is probably Morganton Point, but go early and take a lawn chair.
Save the date! For specific details please check back later as the event gets closer. Here is 2015’s schedule: Celebrate Independence Day on the lake! BBQ begins at 10 a.m. and is put on by the Shriners, cash only so come prepared. Live music starts at 4 p.m. Awesome fireworks display at dusk. For more information, call 706-632-2618.
The traditional observance in Epworth is on the 4th.
125 Schoolhouse Rd, Epworth, Ga (only 10 minutes from downtown Blue Ridge)
This is a great American 4th of July event for kids of all ages. Located at the Old Epworth Elementary School cafeteria and play ground. Come as you are. Day begins at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast for $6.00 until 10:30. 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Free admission. Then purchase tickets good for any/all events. Epworth Community Club.
The fireworks in Blairsville are also on the 4th, at Meeks Park.
That’s on the right as you come into Blairsville from Blue Ridge on the four lane (a little past the Walmart). I understand that no dogs are allowed in the main part of the park. Dogs are apparently allowed in the portion of the park on the north side of Hwy 515.
Meeks Park, 11 Pool Lane
Watch the skies over Meeks Park light up with Fireworks for the 4th of July! Come out and enjoy this beautiful experience. 9:30 pm – 11:00 pm. Meeks Park, 11 Pool Lane
Watch the skies over Meeks Park light up with Fireworks for the 4th of July! Come out and enjoy this beautiful experience. 9:30 pm – 11:00 pm. 706-745-5789.