Ellijay will have Fireworks without a parade for July 4th

ELLIJAY, Ga. – Chamber President/CEO Paige Hutto (formerly Paige Green) spoke with Ellijay City Council Members this week about details that many citizens are seeking regarding the upcoming 4th of July Celebration including the parade and fireworks.

She confirmed that there will not be a parade, but the Chamber will be spending this week in talks with Ellijay Police Chief Edward Lacey for details about safety, social distancing, and options for citizens to view the display. She confirmed with FYN that the fireworks will be launched from the area behind Ellijay Elementary School as normal. However, she mentioned thoughts about finding a way for citizens to view them like a “drive-in” movie theater, staying in vehicles or the bed of a truck to watch.

However, the thought was merely a preliminary thought, as she asserted that more details and discussions must be had with authorities on options and plans.

During the City Council Meeting, Hutto explained that they would be addressing these details more over the coming week and sharing that information with the public.

During the discussion, the council questioned for details on why there would not be a parade. Hutto explained that the original decision not to have a parade was made weeks ago based on Executive Orders from the Governor and the situation at the time. However, as times have changed and more people are returning to social and normal events, there simply was not enough time to plan a parade.

The process takes, typically, four to six weeks to plan and prepare for a parade. Now, as they return to plans for the celebration, the two and a half weeks set up is not sufficient to accomplish the entire process.

In addition to preparation, there were questions of who would assume responsibility for the festivities like a parade, be it the chamber or merchant’s association or another. Ultimately, the focus moving ahead, according to Hutto, is solely focused on putting on the fireworks display for citizens and accomplishing this safely for all involved.