JONES COUNTY, Ga. — For nearly 50 years, a historic site in Jones County has dedicated its self-guided tour trails to celebrating July 4.
The Jarrell Plantation Historic Site has become a traditional holiday spot for fun across the generations, taking families back in time.
The site welcomed new faces and familiar ones, for its annual Ol’ Time Fourth holiday celebration. The celebration was held from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and brought its farm ‘to life’ with animals, live classics, Jarrell family artifacts and a taste of southern cuisine.
Longtime attendee, Jennifer Amos, is one of those familiar faces. She said she enjoys bringing in old traditions with her daughter and granddaughter.
"Believe it or not, I always used to come out here even as a child to the Jarrell Plantations,” Amos said. “So we've always done this or maybe hit Lake Tobo and watched the fireworks there or maybe at Perry, one or the other."
Amos’ daughter, Lacy, performed with Young America Music Schools. The group has performed on the holiday for years. Amos said her daughter is fulfilling her lifelong dream of being a musician.
"She is constantly practicing for her music, this is her dream to play,” Amos said. “So it's something she's been doing for many years.”
“It's her passion, her love,” Amos added.
Cate Garner and some of her family members were first-timers from Huntsville, Alabama.
She said they were in town for a family reunion and her grandmother thought it would be a great idea to bring them by for a chance to learn a little bit of Central Georgia history.
"Our grandmother decided it was a good idea to come to Jarrell Plantation to learn about the past and history while still on July 4,” Garner said.
Garner said the meaning behind the celebrations is one she takes to heart.
"It reminds of the importance of freedom nowadays, to take our roles and our liberties and our rights,” Garner said. “That's important to us - to not let them go to waste.”
Similar to Garner’s family, Amos said she hopes to see more families encourage the younger generation to keep the patriotic spirit alive and continue longtime traditions.
“Just wish more people would come out and participate in places like this to keep the traditions going for the future generations,” Amos said.