One of Chattooga County’s biggest summer traditions returns Thursday, July 2, as the City of Summerville hosts its annual Celebrate Independence Festival and Fireworks Show at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center.

The free community celebration begins at 6 p.m. at 33 Middle School Road and promises an evening packed with live music, family activities, great food, contests, and one of the largest fireworks displays in Northwest Georgia. The fireworks show is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m.

Visitors will find dozens of food options ranging from barbecue, hamburgers, hot dogs, Philly cheesesteaks, authentic Mexican cuisine, chicken tacos, homemade ice cream, funnel cakes, fried pies, roasted corn, lemonade, cotton candy, nachos, pork rinds, signature sandwiches and much more. Free watermelon slices will also be available while supplies last.

Families can enjoy the free Kid’s Zone beginning at 6 p.m., featuring waterslides, toddler inflatables, face painting, sack races, badminton, volleyball, Jenga and other activities. The Kid’s Zone will remain open until 9 p.m.

The evening will also feature several popular contests. Registration for the Corn Hole Tournament begins at 6 p.m., with play getting underway after registration closes at 6:30 p.m. Teams of two may enter for $20, with cash prizes awarded to the top finishers.

At 6:35 p.m., children are invited to participate in the annual Patriotic Foot Parade. Youngsters dressed in patriotic attire can march across the festival grounds for a chance to receive medals presented by members of the Summerville City Council.

Those with a competitive appetite can register between 6 and 7 p.m. for the Summerville Natural Gas & Menlo Lucky’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. Six contestants will be selected to compete at 7:30 p.m. for bragging rights and $500 in prize money.

Entertainment begins at 6:45 p.m. with local singer-songwriter Parker Thomas, followed at 8 p.m. by The Whole Fam Damily, a sibling quartet known throughout Northwest Georgia and Tennessee for performing classic country and rock favorites. The group has shared the stage with nationally known acts, including Shenandoah.

Parking is free, and organizers encourage attendees to arrive early, bring lawn chairs or blankets, and enjoy an evening celebrating Independence Day with friends, family, music, and fireworks.