Independence Day celebrations are back this summer around Lake Lanier and in headwater communities. From patriotic concerts to footraces, livestock exhibits to fireworks, the July 3 and 4 festivities offer a variety of fun times. Note: Many celebrations are set for Saturday, July 3.
o Tribute to America Concert, Braselton. North Georgia Winds performs patriotic tunes, 7 p.m. July 3, Town Green, Davis St. Braselton.net.
o Laurel Park Celebration, Gainesville. All-day celebration July 3 presented by Paul E. Bolding Post 7 American Legion; gates open 9 a.m. with food vendors, kids’ activities, music, splash pad, and more, fireworks at dark visible from numerous points around the north end of Lake Lanier, 3100 Old Cleveland Hwy. $10 per car. 
o Northwinds Symphonic Band – Patriotic Pops Concert, Gainesville. The Arts Council’s Smithgall Arts Center lawn, 8:00 p.m. (gates open at 6:00 p.m.), 331 Spring Street, SW, call for tickets 770-534-2787, or visit TheArtsCouncil.net.
o University Yacht Club, Flowery Branch. Festivities for members only, fireworks display at dusk July 3 visible by boat, Burton Mill Park, and nearby coves. 6700 Yacht Club Rd. UniversityYachtClub.org, 770-967-2814.
o Family Day Celebration, Dahlonega. Family fun with a patriotic parade and car show July 3, other activities on the Historic Square and Hancock Park July 4. Dahlonega.org, 706-864-3711.
o Independence Day Festivities, Cumming. 8 a.m. 5K/10K road race, followed by 10 a.m. steam engine parade from Forsyth Central High School to Cumming Fairgrounds for celebration including children’s activities, food, vendors, live music, adult beverages, and more 10 a.m.-10 p.m. July 3; fireworks 9:30 p.m. July 3, Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Rd. $5 ages 13 and older, free to younger than 13. CummingFair.net.
o Farm Animal Fun Day/Emory Jones Book Signing, Sautee Nacoochee. Historic farm celebrates its heritage in a journey to “bring the farm back to life” with livestock exhibits and demonstrations, plus meetings with local author whose books explore Native American heritage of historic farm and Indian mound, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 3, Hardman Farm Historic Site, 143 Hwy 17. $6, free to children 5 and younger. GAStateParks.org, 706-878-1077.
o Old Fashioned Celebration at one of our nation’s oldest state parks, Blairsville. 9 a.m. flag-raising ceremony, followed by bicycle parade, pedal boat races, and other activities, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. July 4, Vogel State Park, 405 Vogel State Park Rd. $5 parking. GAStateParks.org, 706-745-2628.
o Great American 5K, Dacula. 5K footrace with patriotic music, all-American t-shirts, and snacks, 7:30 a.m. July 4, Little Mulberry Park, 3855 Fence Rd. $27. Active.com. Event Info.
o Annual Fireworks at Dusk, Helen. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, view fireworks from Alpine Village Shoppes, arrive by 9 p.m. July 4, 8016 S. Main St. 706-878-2181, HelenGA.org.
o Margaritaville/Lanier Islands, Buford. LanierIslands.com, 770-945-8787.
o Mall of Georgia Star Spangled 4th, Buford. MallofGeorgia.com, 678-482-8788.
