Newspaper Page Text
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Salute to the FH AV Zh
Heat, noise highlight
the holiday forecast
Water, sunscreen are recommended
By Megan Reed
For the Forsyth County News
Forsyth County’s
Fourth of July festivities
are a popular draw each
year, but attendees should
follow safety precautions
in order to prevent injury
or illness, authorities said.
The Thomas-Mashburn
Steamn Engine Parade,
which will be rolling
through downtown
Cumming on Saturday
morning, is known for its
festive steam engines.
But those engines have
loud whistles, which can
be disturbing for some
people, especially young
er attendees with more
sensitive ears.
Forsyth County Fire
Division Chief Jason
Shivers recommended
that anyone attending the
parade bring earplugs or
earmuffs to protect them
selves from the noise.
Shivers also encour
aged parade attendees to
drink plenty of water
before and during the
parade due to the high
temperatures expected
that day.
The fireworks at the
Cumming Fairgrounds on
Friday night also attract
large crowds, which can
lead to traffic problems in
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Fireworks safety tips
#“Fireworks are unpredictable, so injuries can occur even if a per
son is careful. Those who choose to use fireworks are urged to
follow the safety tips below, provided by the National Council on
~ ®Always read and follow labe! directions
- Buy from reliable sellers
- *Use outdoors only ;
i%wggs’have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket)
* Never experiment or make your own fireworks
e Light only one firework at a time
fllxm' ar relight a “dud” firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and
then soak it in a bucket of water) :
e Never give fireworks to small children
e If necessary, store fireworks in a cool and dry place
« Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and
then disposing of them in a trash can
* Never throw or point fireworks at other people
¢ Never carry fireworks in a pocket
. Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers
#The shooter should always wear eye protection and never
have any part of the body over the firework
,* Stay away from illegal explosives
e Remember to dial 911 for any emergencies
Source: National Council on Fireworks Safety
Turtle racing tradition
stands the test of time
Competitors just
go wild’ sometimes
By Megan Reed
For the Forsyth County News
A Cumming restaurant is continuing
an Independence Day tradition this year
with the 13th annual turtle race.
After the 58th Annual Thomas-
Mashburn Steam Engine Parade, chil
dren ages 18 and younger can bring
their turtles to The Foster House, 305
West Main St., to test the reptiles’
speed.
Patricia Hamby said daughter Amanda
Davis, with whom she owns the restau
rant, started the turtle race because of
fond memories of similar events from
her own childhood.
The former Forsyth County Bank,
which is now a Wells Fargo branch,
used to play host to a turtle race, and
Davis wanted to revive the tradition,
Hamby said.
This year’s race begins at 1 p.m.
Saturday, although Hamby said most
participapts arrive about 30 minutes
the area.
Officers from the
Cumming Police
Department and the
Forsyth County Sheriff’s
Office will be patrolling
the area and directing
drivers.
While many attend the
fireworks in downtown
Cumming, others choose
to celebrate Independence
Day at home with their
own fireworks.
The fire department
recommends people wear
eye protection when
shooting off fireworks,
light only one at a time
and limit their use to out
door spaces.
if you're going
The annual turtle race follows the
58th AnnualThomas-Mashburn
Steam Engine Parade in the parking
lot of The Foster House, 305 West
Main St. in Cumming. Registration
starts at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, with
racing set for 1 p.m.
early to register.
Hamby said about 40 people typically
take part each year, with at least twc
races held to accommodate the crowd.
The race also draws people from outside
of Cumming, she said.
“I've been surprised. Everybody’s not
from Cumming,” Hamby said. “I guess
the word has gotten out.”
Turtles who participate begin inside a
circle and then must travel to the finish
line in another circle.
Hamby said the turtles are surprising
ly fast, so the races usually last less than
five minutes.
“It’s amazing how quickly the race is
over,” she said. “There’s always one or
two turtles that just go wild.”
Cash prizes will be given to the own
ers of the winning turtles, and barbecue
plates will also be sold at the event.
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File photos
Children ride on a float during the 2014 Thomas-Mashburn Steam Engine
Parade.
“Many people do not
realize that sparklers burn
at temperatures of
approximately 2,000
degrees, which is hot
enough to melt some met
Also, even though fire
works can be seen as a
family activity, children
should not handle them,
and no one younger than
12 should use a sparkler.
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Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9143 hand out candy during
last year’s parade.
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@mwww.CummingJulydparade:com
'l-’fir’i'nfor;_nafion, :
- please contact one
of the following:
~ Cindy Hansard
(770) 887-0516
' Amy Webb
{7 (770) 887-1530
If you have issues with the
| website, please contact:
Karen @ (678) 574-3167
ForsythNews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS |
als,” Shivers said.
If a firework does not
work properly, avoid
touching it for 20 minutes
and then soak it in a
bucket of water.
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