Celebrate upcoming Fourth of July with fireworks and barbecues

4th of July in Dahlonega, Dahlonega. Community reading of The Constitution, formal flag raising, Appalachian music, arts and crafts and a fireworks display. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 4, Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site and North Georgia College & State University, downtown Dahlonega. Free. 706-864-3513.

Independence Day at Vogel, Blairsville. Flag-raising ceremony, bicycle parade, sand castle building and other games. Begins 8:30 a.m. July 4, Vogel State Park, 7485 Vogel State Park Road, Blairsville. $3 parking. 706-745-2628.

4th of July Celebration and Barbecue, Gainesville. Softball and other games. 4 to 8 p.m. July 4, Bethel United Methodist Church, 900 Mill St. SE, Gainesville. 770-536-3029.

Fourth of July Festival, Dahlonega. Pig roast, live music, wine, grape-stomping contest, bocce ball tournament and fireworks. 3 to 9 p.m.  July 4 and 5, Montaluce Estates and Vineyard, 501 Hightower Church Road, Dahlonega. Pig roast: $10 adults, $6 children. Free to attend. Bocce ball players should bring bocce balls. 800-251-4385.

July 4th Mountain Style, Helen. Watermelon seed spitting contest, sack races and relays. July 4-6, Unicoi State Park & Lodge, 1788 Ga. 3356, Helen. $3 parking. 800-573-9659, ext. 305.

Patriotic Pastimes, Dawsonville. Live music, old-fashioned games, hayrides and animal programs. July 4-6: 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge, $3 parking. 706-265-1969.