Fireworks to be launched in downtown

Once launched off Ga. Hwy. 211, across from Chateau Elan, the fireworks show has drawn an estimated 30,000 people to the grand finale of the “Celebrate Braselton” festival, held on Independence Day.

But with a new mixed-use development set to break ground on the traditional launching site — located behind Publix — Braselton officials have relocated the fireworks show.

And the move is permanent, according to town officials.

Starting this year, the fireworks display will move to downtown right off of Ga. Hwy. 53 at West Jackson Intermediate School.

“Parking is probably going to be our biggest problem,” said Danielle Austin, a Braselton employee.

Guests may park at the Braselton Town Hall, Braselton Park and Hoschton Park — all spots that should have good views of the fireworks display, she said.

“We’re asking people to get here early and just be patient, because there will be a lot of people and this is the first year that we’re going to have them over here,” Austin said.

Along with Braselton police, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Jackson County CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) will help direct traffic.

The fireworks show on Monday, July 4, will be the same length as it was when it was held near Chateau Elan, Austin said. The show is expected to start around 9:30 p.m.

But before the fireworks show begins, town officials have planned a day filled with activities for the “Celebrate Braselton” festival.

Starting at 10 a.m., a parade will be held on Ga. Hwy. 53 through downtown Braselton.

In the nearby Braselton Park — located behind West Jackson Primary School — various musicians will perform throughout the day and will wrap up the entertainment shortly before the fireworks show.

“Hangoverture” will perform from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., “Take Three” will be on stage from 4-6 p.m., and “Moby Dick” will be featured from 7-9 p.m.

Miss Lollipop the clown will also be in the Braselton Park from 6-9 p.m. making balloon animals for children.
An estimated 30 vendor booths in the park will feature food and drinks, crafts, kids games, home improvement items and civic groups.

Despite the height of two major road projects under way in downtown Braselton, Austin said guests should be able to park and walk to the festival.

Jackson County is widening and realigning Zion Church Road, while Braselton is realigning Ga. Hwy. 124 at the intersection of Ga. Hwy. 53.

Initially, town officials were concerned that the Zion Church Road project — which begins at Jesse Cronic Road and ends near Tom White Road — may affect the parade route, Austin said.

“We were afraid that Jesse Cronic Road was going to be closed and that was going to impact our parade route,” she said. “But, (the county) is going to wait until after the Fourth (of July) to close that. The construction is not going to impact anything, really, for the Fourth.”

For more information, visit www.Braseltonfestivals.com.