Fourth of July activities in Union County

Sentinel photo/Jared Putnam Watermelon eating contest.

12:00 p.m. - Nottely Marina Boat Parade

Judging for the annual July 4 boat parade will begin at 11:30 a.m. at Nottley Marina, located just north of Blairsville on Hwy. 129. At 12:00 p.m., trophies will be given out to the winning boats and the parade will begin. The parade typically heads down Lake Nottely to Eagle Bend before breaking up. Contestants can use any theme for their boat that they wish. Past themes have included "Christmas in July," military, and a superhero boat with Superman and Wonder Woman.

1:00 p.m. - Ole' Fashioned Games at Meeks Park

The Union County Lions Club is all ready for the 2nd annual 4th of July ole' fashion games at Meeks Park on Wednesday, July 4 at 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The games will begin at 1:30 p.m. sharp and continue to 3:30 p.m., ending with the watermelon eating contest. Games for all ages, four years and up. For the 15 and up group there will be football throw, softball throw, relay races, age group races, frisbee toss and ending with a tug of war made up of teams from different groups. See more information on page 6B.

Blairsville fireworks The annual fireworks display for Blairsville will be held at Meeks Park on July 4 and is scheduled to begin after dark:." The public is encouraged` to arrive by 7:30 or 8:00 p.m. in order to secure a good spot. Other locations such as North Georgia Technical College and areas along Hwy. 515 are also good spots for viewing the display. The event is sponsored by the Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce.

Suches fireworks

The fireworks will begin at dark but the festivities start earlier as the Suches Community and visitors gather around 7:00 p.m. for hot dogs, soft drinks and snacks and a chance to meet friends, old and new, in what has become a Suches tradition in the past few years. It is also hoped that there will be patriotic and old time mountain music both recorded and live featuring local musicians. See more information on page 6B.