Jasper Celebrates the Fourth of July

Although there were no official fireworks displays locally, there were plenty of activities celebrating our nation’s independence on Saturday.

The day was kicked off with the weekly Market Festival on the Square with vendors’ tables being decorated in red, white and blue, and lots of patriotic items available. No Fourth of July celebration would be complete without watermelon, and there was plenty of that and other fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade items, home-cooked foods, and more available on the Square. Les Steele (bottom photo) provided patriotic music throughout the morning.

Saturday evening brought the Monticello Community Band and Choir Independence Day Concert complete with picnicking before the event and a table decoration contest. The award for most patriotic went to the Parkers and Monticello Baptist. Master of ceremonies and director Jehan El-Jourbagy said the judges were suckers for balloons. Honorable mention in that category went to the table decorated by Providence Baptist Church.
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For most creative, the Savage family won, and the DeGarmo clan was given honorable mention.

Drinks and sweets were offered by band supporters to raise money for the all volunteer cause.

The hour-long concert included several patriotic instrumental pieces, and a choral medley. One highlight was the singing of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy by the trio of Lisa Kelly, Cheryl Jacobs and Bobbi Sauls.

Before closing out the concert, Ms. El-Jourbagy recognized all current and former members of the different branches of the Armed Forces, and there was someone there representing all but he Coast Guard. This was the third annual concert, and she asked how many were first-timers, and the majority were.

Then, onto the lake for the Eighth Annual Fourth Of July Boat Parade on Jackson Lake at Martin’s Marina.

First place and prize money of $500 in the Pontoon category was reeled in by the boat of Johnny and Gina Cargile. With a theme of “Keep Me Free,” the flag on the boat had 1,200 lights, and the boat itself had 5,000. It was also complete with a cannon which fired out more than 100 T-shirts to the crowd.

Second place and prize money of $300 was won by the boat of Geleta Fenton with a theme of “The Flag Of Freedom,” as it saluted our great country and the values it embodies.
Third place and prize money of $100 was won by the boat of Bart Shuman with a theme of “Pirates Of Jackson Lake,” with over 300 lights on it.

A prize of $50 went to all the other entrants in this category.

In the Fish, Ski And Other Category, first place and prize money of $400 went to Bill and Wanda Schroeder with a theme of “The Tea Party Patriots,” displayed on their 27 foot Fountain with 500 LED lights.

Second place and prize money of $200 went to Johnny Cargile, who has won a prize every year in his class. His little red boat, with a theme of “Dawg Gone Freedom Floating Away,” sported 1000 lights.

Third place and prize money of $100 was awarded to Mike Thomas and his Deckboat with a theme of “Salute To America.”
Sponsors of the event included Martin’s Marina, McIntosh Bank, Willis Oil Company, Liquid Tempo, Central Georgia Battery, Harold’s Propane and Hooper Trailers.

The Judges consisted of Cheryl Wheeler, Georgia Power Lake Manager, Jane Lofton, President of Jackson Lake Homeowners Association, and Glen Fell, Past President of Jackson Lake Homeowners Association.

Buddy Fletcher was the Master of Ceremony and music was provided by Joe Deptula.

After the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Fletcher, the crowd was treated to a recording of the Star Spangled Banner by Mr. Deptula.

The Department of Natural Resources’ Boat, accompanied by the ones of the Jasper, Butts and Newton Counties’ Sheriffs Departments, led the parade.

A record crowd of approximately 400 onlookers were gathered along the shore of Martin’s Marina, and countless boats floated along the shore of Goat Island, as they all celebrated the holiday and watched the parade.