‘Celebrate Braselton’ festival offers patriotic fun

Need a patriotic “staycation” this Saturday for Fourth of July?

Then consider Braselton’s annual festival highlighting not only the town, but honoring those in the military, as well.

And, there’s a large fireworks display scheduled for dusk on Saturday night, at Chateau Elan.

The “Celebrate Braselton” festival starts on Saturday, at 9 a.m. — when vendor booths open in the Braselton Park, located off Ga. Hwy. 53, near Countryside Antiques.

A parade through downtown Braselton starts at 10 a.m.

The first of three bands — “Blue Billy Grit” — takes the stage at the park, from 10 a.m. to noon. “Dirt” will perform from 1-3 p.m., and “Saddle Creek” will be featured from 5-7 p.m.

Braselton’s Fourth of July festival started in 2004, after a citizens committee recommended an annual event to help revitalize downtown.

“Festivals are a way to bring people to your downtown who may not have been there before,” said town manager Jennifer Dees.

And for a town spanning four counties — Jackson, Barrow, Gwinnett and Hall — the festival also unites residents in downtown, she added.

The highlight of the festival will be the fireworks display at Chateau Elan, which is considered one of the largest fireworks shows in the area. The fireworks will be launched in a former vineyard behind Publix, located off Ga. Hwy. 211.

Braselton officials estimate that 30,000 people will view the fireworks display.

Braselton police, along with the Jackson County CERT, will direct traffic in the area, Dees said.

Back in the park, town officials are expecting more vendors than previous festivals.

And with a tough economy keeping more families closer to home for “staycations,” they’re also expecting more visitors, too.

“We’ve seen a much higher attendance at all of our events,” Dees said.

For more information, visit www.braselton.net or call town hall at 706-654-3915.