The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce is inviting residents and visitors alike to celebrate Independence Day with four days of fireworks, family fun, live entertainment, and patriotic festivities across the county.
Families are invited to celebrate Independence Day with a patriotic community gathering at the Summerville Train Depot on Saturday, July 4.
The City of Summerville will host “Stars & Stripes At The Depot” from noon until 3 p.m. at the historic depot in downtown Summerville.
The event is being held as part of the nation’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and will feature free sliced watermelon, patriotic music, and appearances by Uncle Sam. Organizers also announced that the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s passenger train, pulled by steam locomotive No. 4501, is expected to arrive during the event.
Visitors will also have an opportunity to see the Summerville Turntable in operation.
City officials encourage residents and visitors to bring their families and enjoy an afternoon of patriotic fun, local history, and community fellowship as the nation marks a significant milestone in its history.
The event is free and open to the public.
With just over one month remaining before the annual Back to School Bash, organizers are continuing efforts to collect school supplies and recruit volunteers to help local students prepare for the upcoming school year.
The event is scheduled for July 16, 2026, and organizers hope to serve 400 students by providing backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, and community resources.
According to organizers, donations received so far include 288 book bags, 350 erasers, 59 spiral notebooks, 96 pencil sharpeners, 50 pairs of scissors, 44 glue sticks, 24 highlighters, 40 pencils, and a variety of other school supplies. Despite the progress, additional donations are still needed to meet the goal of serving 400 students.
Several community organizations, agencies, businesses, and volunteers have already committed their support. Participants include Early Head Start, the Chattooga County Library, Atrium Health Chattooga, the Chattooga County Health Department, the Community Resource Center, the Cancer Coalition, the Summerville Recreation Department, and others.
Organizers have also secured four hairstylists who will provide free haircuts during the event, but they are seeking at least two additional stylists or barbers to assist.
Donations of school supplies, financial sponsorships, and volunteers are still being accepted. Anyone interested in helping may contact Maisha Ludy at 706-388-9849 or by email at maishaludy@gmail.com.
Organizers say community support will help ensure local students begin the new school year equipped with the tools and resources they need to succeed.