If you’re in the Golden Isles for Independence Day, there are multiple options for holiday fun and fireworks. Be sure to check the Elegant Island Living website and social media for updated information and additional events that may be scheduled as we get closer to July 4th.
St. Simons Island
On St. Simons Island, the 4th of July begins bright and early with the 38th Annual Sunshine Festival Race. Generations participated in this family fun holiday event. The 5k race winds through the beautiful live oak and Spanish moss-lined streets in the Village at 7:00 a.m., beginning and ending in Kings Park, 601 Mallery St (across from Mallery Park). This is a USTAF Certified 5k route and chip timing is provided by Second Wind Timing. The 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk will start in the same location immediately following the 5K at 8:00 a.m.
There will be a Runners Expo with Packet Pickup held from 2:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 3rd at St. Simons Presbyterian Church, 205 Kings Way. Free swag from local businesses will be provided to runners at the Expo. It is strongly recommended that you pick up your packet on Sunday, the day before the race. Race Day Packet Pickup will begin at 6:00 a.m. on the 4th at Mallery Park Pavilion. Registration for the 5K will end promptly at 6:45 a.m. and 1 Mile Race registration will end at 7:45 a.m. While walk-up registration at the Expo or on Race Day is permitted, participants registered by June 10th are the only runners guaranteed a high-quality short-sleeve T-shirt (youth and adult sizes) or Tank Top (adult sizes), so it’s recommended that you register online by that date at runsignup.com.
Golden Isles Track Club uses the proceeds of this event to support running-related causes in our community, including Girls on the Run; local high school track and cross-country teams; water fountains in Golden Isles parks; and projects that develop and maintain walking, running, and cycling paths in Glynn County.
5k Awards include Overall, Masters (40-49), Grand Masters (50-59), Senior Grand Masters (60+), and top three male and female finishers in each age group. 1st place age group 5k winners will receive an unframed print from local artist Addison Palmer, 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive a patriotic-themed medal. Overall Male and Overall Female winners will each receive $100. Masters winners will each receive $25 each. Masters, Grand Masters and Senior Grand Masters winners will each receive $25 each. PLUS, Overall and all Master award winners will receive a framed print from local artist Addison Palmer. 1 Mile Awards will be given to the top three male and top three female finishers under 14 years of age, plus all 1-mile participants will receive a participant medal. Additional there is an Award for the Best Costume (Sponsored by Starbucks. Must be present to win.), an Award for the Largest Team (Sponsored by Winn-Dixie), and an Award for the best-decorated home along the route (Sponsored by Winn-Dixie).
There will be refreshments at the race supplied by local businesses. First Tee golf program for kids will be on site with an inflatable shark and having fun with golf swings that teach kids how to hit the board to get the Birdie Balls airborne. Sons of the American Revolution will be there in period costumes for photo ops. Watermelon Queen Ms. Adahy Pritchett handing out free slices of refreshing watermelon. Volunteers are always needed, so get in touch if you’d like to participate! Additional race information can be found at goldenislestrack.club.
The Crafts in the Village vendors will be set up in Postell Park, beginning at 10:00 a.m. daily, Saturday, July 2 through Monday, July 4 for holiday shoppers to visit. Shop up to 70 artists and artisan makers. Browse coastal art, decor, jewelry, pottery, furniture, photography, hanging chairs, specialty food, skincare, candles, soaps, glass art, bird houses, wearables, and more.
The 4th of July Golf Cart Parade in Pier Village will take place at 2:30 p.m., with line up commencing at Mallery Ballpark on Park Avenue at 1:30pm. Registration is a $20 donation. See Trish at the Bait Shop to sign up.
On the evening of Monday, July 4, bring picnic blankets and beach chairs to watch the traditional fireworks show with your friends and family along the water at Neptune Park. Admission and parking are free and fireworks begin at sundown, around 9:00 p.m. The fishing pier and south end of Mallery Street will be closed to cars and pedestrian traffic beginning that morning.
Brunswick
Walk, stroll, bike, or decorate the golf cart and join in the celebration with an Old Fashion 4th of July Parade down Newcastle Street. Participants will meet at the Mansfield Parking Lot decked out in their best red, white, and blue and wrap up the parade at Mary Ross Waterfront Park just in time to register the fur babies for the annual Pet Parade! Line up begins at 4:00 PM, judging at 4:15 PM and the parade begins at 4:30 PM. To register, email events@discoverbrunswick.com.
Brunswick's Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration will be held at Mary Ross Waterfront Park beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 4. There will be games, crafts, music, food, free watermelon, and of course fireworks at dusk. For more details, visit discoverbrunswick.com.
Jekyll Island
Watch the night sky light up as Jekyll Island celebrates Independence Day on Monday with a fireworks display. Fireworks will begin when the sky offers the best background for this incredible pyrotechnic display, usually between 9:00-9:30 p.m., depending on lighting and weather conditions. The fireworks display is viewable across an oceanside section of the island, so grab a seat on the beach or park and view the show from your car at the premier viewing locations of Great Dunes Beach Park and Oceanview Beach Park. The Jekyll Island parking fee will be increased for the day of the event. The fee at the parking gate will be an additional $4 per daily pass; annual passes are not impacted. For more information, visit jekyllisland.com.
Sea Island
For guests and residents of Sea Island, The Cloister and Beach Club have activities scheduled each year during the 4th of July weekend. July 4th is a day of family fun and celebration that usually begins with a flag-raising ceremony, includes a patriotic parade, and concludes with a fireworks display. For detailed information, visit seaisland.com.
