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Crowds convene to take in patriotic music
Event helps kick off Fourth of July celebrations across area
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Miro Gomez plays along with the Gainesville Symphony orchestra Friday evening during the Patriotic Pops Concert at the Brenau University Ampitheatre. - photo by Tom Reed

Today's scheduled events 

American Legion fireworks, Gainesville. Sponsored by Paul E. Bolding Post 7. Snow cones, hot dogs, horse shoes and fireworks at dusk. Noon, Laurel Park, 3100 Old Cleveland Highway, Gainesville.

Fireworks extravaganza, Buford. Family activities all day; fireworks 9:30-10 p.m., Lake Lanier Islands, 7000 Holiday Road, Buford. 770-932-7200.

Fabulous Fourth, Buford. Live music, fireworks and "Independence Day" screening. 2 p.m., with fireworks at dusk and movie after fireworks. Mall of Georgia, 3333 Buford Drive, Buford. Free. 678-482-8788.

Fourth of July celebration, Dahlonega. Reading of the Constitution, pet show, patriotic music, watermelon cutting and auto show. Fireworks at dusk. 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m., downtown Dahlonega. Fireworks at the North Georgia College & State University drill field, 82 College Circle, Dahlonega. Free downtown parking, $5 parking at NGCSU.

Family Fun Day, Dahlonega. Formal flag raising, Appalachian music, patriotic speeches, gold panning, arts and crafts and gold mining. 8:30 a.m.-dusk; museum open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., The Dahlonega Gold Museum, 1 Public Square, Dahlonega. Museum admission $3.50-$5. 706-864-2257.

FreedomFest, Demorest. Featuring Canton Jones, Francesca Batistelli, Shane & Shane and Barlow Girl. Fly-over, military tribute and kids activities. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., The Torch Church of God, 800 Cannon Bridge Road, Demorest. $10 at the gate, $5 parking, $10 vans, $15 buses. 706-778-4063.

Fourth of July Celebration, Helen. Music by David Blackmon & Curley Maple, games, food and drinks. 2 to 7 p.m., Rivermist Lodge, 6965 S. Main St., Helen. 706-878-1234 or 706-878-9463.

Bad Habits Band Fourth of July Tailgate Party, Dahlonega. Classic Southern Rock and country. Bring your grill and coolers; live music outside. 5 p.m. today to 2 a.m. Sunday, 1450 Lumpkin County Parkway off Ga. 400, Dahlonega. $5.