July 4th Fireworks in the Madison and Lake Oconee area

If you love fireworks, music, and old fashioned fun - come on over to the Madison and Lake Oconee area this weekend.

July 3

Summer in Madison would not be complete without this free celebration featuring live patriotic music by Georgia's longest operating community band, the Athens Classic City Band. Bring a picnic, blankets, tables or chairs and join family and friends for the festivities, held on the lawn of our Cultural Center. Music begins at 7 p.m., but come early to grab a spot on the lawn. Don't forget to decorate your table; prizes will be given for "Most Patriotic" table decorations.

The Annual Independence Day Concert ends at dusk and is followed by professional fireworks presented by the City of Madison at Heritage Park. This is truly a fun-filled evening for the entire family!

If you'd rather be boating - head on over to the Ritz Carlton Lodge on Lake Oconee tonight, where you can enjoy an spectacular fireworks display after an open air concert on the lawn, featuring the group "The August". Music begins at 7:45 - for more information call 706-467-0600.

July 4

Great Waters on Lake Oconee is the place to be on Saturday night, with an exciting fireworks display, and watching lakeside is always fun.

The "real" Buckhead - a quaint town off I-20 Exit 121 - hosts its annual barbecue fundraiser followed by fireworks - the town cemetary is a great spot for viewing.

July 5

Centennial Baptist Church in Rutledge (I-20 exit 105) hosts its Starlight Spectacular on Sunday night, with music, popcorn, snowcones, and Pott's barbecue available for purchase. Festivities begin at 7:15, with fireworks at dark.

Battle of the bands - Lake Jam 2015 - is happening at the Waterfront on Lake Oconee - 3pm until dusk.

Georgia's Lake Country is always a great place to live and work - but for the 4th of July holiday we pull out all the stops. My favorite part is when the Classic City Band breaks into its medley of service tunes, and all throughout the lawn we see neighbors stand,  young and old, as we applaud in acknowledgement of their service to our country.