Downtown Ellijay closes out the Fourth of July with a full slate of festivities on Friday, July 4 — vendor tents opening in the afternoon, an evening parade rolling down River Street, and a fireworks show after dark — meaning residents planning to attend should map out parking and a viewing spot well before the crowds arrive. According to the City of Ellijay's official events schedule, the celebration runs through the evening and centers on the downtown square.
- Vendor tents: Open at 2:00 PM in the First Baptist Church parking lot
- Parade line-up: 5:30 PM on Sailors Drive (pre-registered floats/vehicles only)
- Parade start: 7:30 PM, from Sailors Drive down River Street, around the roundabout, up North Main Street to the Elementary School
- Fireworks: At dark, launched behind the former Ellijay Primary School near McCutchen Street
The Afternoon: Vendors and Family Fun
The day gets started at 2:00 PM, when local vendors set up in the parking lot of First Baptist Church. The city describes it as a chance to browse snacks, handmade crafts, and family-friendly activities while supporting local businesses and easing into the festive mood before the evening events. It's an easy, low-key way to spend the afternoon downtown before the streets fill up.
The Parade: A New Evening Tradition
One detail worth noting for longtime residents: this is an evening parade, not the morning event some may remember from years past. Parade participants begin lining up at 5:30 PM on Sailors Drive, and the city notes that only pre-registered vehicles and floats are permitted in the lineup.
The parade steps off at 7:30 PM, traveling along River Street from Sailors Drive, looping around the downtown roundabout, and continuing up North Main Street toward the Elementary School. Expect the usual mix of patriotic floats, music, and community energy — the kind of hometown display that draws families out with their lawn chairs.
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Fireworks After Dark
The evening ends with fireworks. Once night falls completely, the display is launched from behind the former Ellijay Primary School building near McCutchen Street. The city advises getting into position early for the best views, and the show is generally visible from much of the downtown square and the festival area.
Plan Ahead: Parking and Timing
Downtown parking fills up quickly on the Fourth, especially in the hours leading up to the parade. If you can, carpool, arrive early, and settle into your spot before the 7:30 PM step-off rather than circling for a space as the crowds build.
Spots along the downtown square are strictly first-come, first-served. If you're heading to any of the recreational sites in the region to catch fireworks, keep in mind that parking fees can apply and lots fill fast — carpooling and arriving early is the safest bet for a stress-free evening.
The Rundown
| Time | What | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 2:00 PM | Vendor tents open | First Baptist Church lot |
| 5:30 PM | Parade line-up | Sailors Drive |
| 7:30 PM | Parade begins | River St. to N. Main St. |
| After dark | Fireworks | Near McCutchen St. |
Note: Have questions about the event? The city lists Pam Burns with Engage in Gilmer at 706-635-5605 or gallery@gilmerarts.org as the contact for more information.
Whether you come for the crafts, the floats, or the fireworks, Ellijay's Fourth of July is one of the community's most cherished annual traditions — and a great excuse to spend the day together downtown.
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For more local happenings, visit the Ellijay Georgia Community Website and browse our events coverage and community stories. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, and share your favorite Fourth of July spot or ask questions in our Community Forum. We'll see you downtown!
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