Demorest celebrates Independence Day with parade, music, and fireworks

DEMOREST, Ga. — Thousands of people lined the streets of downtown Demorest on Saturday as the city celebrated Independence Day with its annual Glorious Fourth of July celebration, a full day of patriotic festivities highlighted by a downtown parade, live music and a fireworks display.

The celebration, the only municipal Fourth of July event held on July 4 in Habersham County, began early with the Firecracker 5K before residents and visitors filled downtown for the annual parade, family activities, food vendors and live entertainment.

The parade stepped off at 11 a.m. and lasted nearly an hour as decorated floats, antique vehicles, first responders, community organizations and children on bicycles and golf carts made their way through downtown Demorest. Spectators waving American flags lined Central Avenue, cheering as participants passed through the city’s historic business district.

Despite temperatures climbing into the mid-90s and heat index values topping 100 degrees during the afternoon, large crowds remained throughout the day, taking advantage of food vendors, artisan booths and family-friendly activities before gathering for the evening’s entertainment.

David Anderson opened the concert lineup with a performance beginning at 5:30 p.m. Later, Stereo Superstar took the stage at 7:30 p.m., keeping the crowd entertained as families spread blankets and lawn chairs across Demorest Spring Park in anticipation of the fireworks.

Members of Stereo Superstar praised the city’s hospitality from the stage, telling the crowd that Demorest Mayor Jerry Harkness and the City Council were “world class,” had taken care of every detail and had shown outstanding hospitality throughout the band’s visit.

The evening concluded with a fireworks display beginning at 10 p.m. Fireworks were launched from Johnny Mize Drive and lit up the sky over Demorest Springs Park, drawing cheers from spectators gathered throughout the downtown area.

Before the celebration, Mayor Jerry Harkness said the event continues a tradition that has become one of Georgia’s longest-running Independence Day celebrations held on July 4.

“I feel honored that we’ve participated in this for so many years,” Harkness told Now Georgia. “It has been stated that we are the second oldest Fourth of July event that happens on the Fourth of July, besides Savannah, so that’s something big for the state of Georgia too.”

Harkness also said the celebration is about more than fireworks and festivities.

“I think just seeing our community come out, getting to see our friends and family, and celebrate alongside one another,” he said.

The annual celebration once again brought together residents and visitors from across Northeast Georgia, continuing a tradition that has made Demorest a Fourth of July destination for generations.