July 4th is shaping up to be anything but typical in north Georgia because of the weather: the threat of rain and unseasonably cool temperatures.
However, things were still "go" as of 9:30 this morning for many events, including this morning's Cumming parade and the American Legion festivities are Laurel Park in Gainesville. In Atlanta, the start of the Peachtree Road Race was delayed by lightning.
Rain resulted in some canceled or altered events Friday, including the annual free barbecue at Memorial Park Funeral Home in Gainesville, which honors public safety personnel but is also open to the public. Instead of dining in tents erected in a vacant lot next door, it was "barbecue to go," with plates being handed out in a drive-up in the parking lot. (See separate posting.) In addition, the annual July 4 Pops Concert by the Northwinds Symphonic Band was moved indoors to First Baptist Church on Green Street because of the threat of inclement weather. It was originally scheduled for the amphetheater at The Arts Council.
Meanwhile, a flood watch is in effect for the Gainesville area and many other places in north Georgia into Sunday evening. (See special weather alert.)
Rainfall at Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport in Gainesville since early Friday, as of 1:00 Saturday afternoon, was 2.90 inches.
