On July 4, 2023, America will celebrate its 247th birthday. Though America has been here since 1620 when the soon-to-be established Plymouth Colony stepped off the Mayflower, America didn’t gain its freedom from the British until 1776. Some would argue that Roanoke was the first colony to settle on America’s shores off the coast of North Carolina in 1585, but they disappeared and were never heard from again. The disappearance became one of the greatest mysteries of America. However, those with an adventurous heart kept traveling across the ocean, and the United States was formed because of those brave souls.
The road to America’s freedom was long and harsh, making it worthy of celebration. We at Carolina Ocoee are here to point you in the direction of the fabulous fireworks celebrations near Ducktown and the Ocoee River. After enjoying an awesome white water rafting trip with us, check out the July 4th, 2023 festivities below.
Copper Basin Fireworks – Ducktown/Copperhill/McCaysville
The Ducktown area will celebrate the 4th of July on Saturday 7/01/2023 with fireworks from 9:30 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. All areas in the downtown area of McCaysville/Copperhill are a good place to view the fireworks. In addition, if you don’t want to drive, you can board the Firecracker Express in Downtown Blue Ridge and arrive by train! You’ll be able to watch the fireworks show during the 2-hour layover.
Lake Blue Ridge Fireworks
About 30 minutes from the Ocoee River, Lake Blue Ridge Dam will shoot fireworks on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 around dusk (9:30-10:30). They can be seen from the marina as well as Morganton Point Recreation Area and Tammen Park. Blue Ridge will also have an Independence Day parade to celebrate the 4th of July.
Cherokee County – Murphy, North Carolina
Less than an hour from the Ocoee River, Cherokee County will hold their Independence Day festivities on Tuesday July 4, 2023 near Murphy, North Carolina beginning at 6:00 p.m. and the Fireworks show at 9:45 p.m. at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. The Vintage Vixens will be there to perform hits from the 60s and 70s. New this year are the kids activities, hosted by Calvary Baptist Church, which include fun games & a bounce house. Come on out! There’s plenty of space at the fairgrounds for friends and family to celebrate America’s freedom.
Madisonville
Only 30 minutes from Ducktown, TN and the Ocoee River is a little town called Madisonville. Their Independence Day celebration will be held on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. The family friendly fun begins at 3:00 p.m. with food and entertainment and fireworks at dusk.
Sweetwater
Sweetwater is another small town near the Ocoee River with a big Independence Day celebration. Festivities begin at 3:00 p.m. and go until 10:00 p.m. with a spectacular fireworks show to top it off. They will have food, live music, Dancing in the Streets, and a 5k race!
Wherever you choose to celebrate, be safe and don’t forget to book your Carolina Ocoee white water rafting trip before you leave!
