Good morning, Gainesville.

On July 4, a family's boat exploded near the Margaritaville at Lake Lanier and firefighters rescued seven people who suffered second and third degree burns (one passenger was airlifted).

Hall County Fire Department said their fast response may have prevented any deaths.

During the July 4 weekend, Georgia waterways had three drownings and three boating fatalities and the DNR recorded 13 BUIs on Lake Lanier — nearly twice the 7 noted on Lake Allatoona.

A report from the Greater Hall Chamber showed nearly 700 new jobs and more than $250 million in new capital investment for 2025, driven by projects from CJ Group, Kubota Manufacturing, Caldwell Electrical Contractors and Northeast Georgia Health System—the report also noted that the Blue Ridge Connector rail project will open in Spring 2026.

The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce released its FY25 economic development report on Monday, July 7th, noting nearly 700 new jobs and over $250 million in capital investment from seventeen expanding industries—boosting local economic growth.

A Gainesville resident won a million-dollar lottery prize after buying a scratcher ticket at Chevron Food Mart on Winder Highway in Chestnut Mountain on July 3—the cash option paid out $505,685 from the Georgia Lottery.

University of North Georgia student Ja’Quon Stembridge appeared on WDUNs The Martha Zoller Show on Monday to discuss her election as the youngest member of GAGOP - her interview marked a historic win in local politics.

Bob Ross Painting Workshop

2-4 p.m. — Hall County Library Blackshear Place — $9.74 — Experience the joy of painting with a Bob Ross tutorial.

Guardians Of The Jukebox

7:30-9 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Check local listings for ticket prices — Experience a vibrant tribute to the sounds of the 80s.

David Nail Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful sounds of David Nail live in concert.

DIY Tote Bag Painting Workshop

6-7:30 p.m. — Hall County Library Blackshear Place — $9.74 — Unleash your creativity with a fun evening of tote bag painting.

Canyonland | The Legends of 70's California Rock

7:30-9 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — $— Experience an enchanting evening of 70's California Country Rock featuring Michelle Malone and Canyonland.

Elvis Tribute Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticketed event — Experience the electrifying sounds and legendary presence of Elvis Presley in an unforgettable tribute show.

Georgia Peach Women's Sprint Triathlon

7:30 AM – 1:00 PM — Lake Lanier Olympic Park — Registration fees apply — Compete in sprint or relay events amidst Georgia's scenic beauty.

The Georgia Thunderbolts Concert

8 PM – 2 AM — Smithgall Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy high-energy performances from the acclaimed band with their latest album.

First Friday Concert Series: Mary Kate Farmer

7-10 p.m. — Gainesville Square — Free entry — Enjoy the captivating sounds of two-time Georgia Country Female Artist of the Year, Mary Kate Farmer.

Greater Vision Gospel Concert

4-10 p.m. — Ramsey Conference Center — Benefiting Saint Jude's Children's Hospital — Enjoy an evening of uplifting gospel music with the award-winning trio, Greater Vision.