As the city’s cherished Glorious Fourth celebration returned in full force on Friday, Demorest Springs Park was crowded with lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and red, white, and blue patriotism. Since the 1890s, this communal celebration has been a custom.
Demorest’s customary Fourth of July parade kicked off the day, entertaining audiences with vintage cars, veterans, kids in costume, and marching bands as it made its way through downtown. Almost every building and float had patriotic decorations flying from it.
One of the main organizers of the event, Sarah Rumsey, the City of Demorest’s Utilities Clerk, was overjoyed with the attendance.Participants in the Demorest Cake Walk wait for the number to be called, which could result in a free cake. Mullis, Chaz./NowHabersham.com
She stated that although she was unaware of the turnout at the moment, we were estimating that over 2,000 people would attend today. Many people, in my opinion, went home to cool off after the procession, but I believe they will return for the music. All I’ve seen are happy, sweaty faces.
Rumsey also brought attention to one of the customs of the day: I believe that all 29 of the cakes from our cake walk ended up in nice homes.
RELATED The Glorious Fourth Parade of Demorest
Food, fun and fireworks
Lynn Madison, who has participated in the Glorious Fourth for over ten years, was one of the numerous sellers along the park.
From behind her concession stand, she stated, “We’ve been celebrating the Fourth of July here for 12 years.” Before we started selling lemonade and now food, we just sold Italian ice. It simply depends.At Demorest’s Glorious Fourth Festival, vendor Lynn Madison serves patrons. Mullis, Chaz./NowHabersham.com
Madison claimed that the event had changed recently, particularly after the pandemic. “It changed after COVID,” she said. Many of these vendors found alternative events to attend. However, we simply returned when we could.
Madison stated that she most likely won’t be doing food next year.
Coming and setting up takes a lot of work. Just preparing for it takes a week. She continued, “I usually work out of my bus through the back window,” recalling past times. We used to visit every part of Georgia. We used to travel to Robbinsville, but as we grew older, the distance became too far.
Families had gathered in the shaded green area around the playground by late afternoon, anticipating the start of Tad Boemer and Troubadour Project’s live performance. While adults sipped drinks from coolers or spoke with old acquaintances, kids played tag and climbed slides. The night’s major finale, a fireworks show from behind City Hall, started around 9:45.
Dominic Benson, who came with his family, was one of the happy people enjoying the fireworks. “We visit as frequently as possible,” he remarked. I grew up here, and now my children are following in my footsteps.
According to Benson, the parade is always his favorite part of the day. “It’s always a fun time to see the veterans ride through and everyone clapping,” he said. This place makes you feel like you belong to a nice community.
