as gospel. The second historical marker was erected in 2003 with information about the grove, the ancestral home of the Tyson family. Having moved here in 1853, the Tysons are among the oldest families in Villa Rica. The third historical marker was erected in 2007 on the 50th anniversary of the Villa Rica Explosion. The explosion was caused by a gas leak in Berry's Pharmacy which completely destroyed that building and three neighboring buildings. Twelve people died and twenty others were injured. In terms of injury and loss of life, the explosion remains the most catastrophic event in Carroll County history. September 2009 flooding On September 21, 2009, the biggest flood in Georgia's history impacted Villa Rica. It caused nearly 500 million dollars in damage to the state. This event caused damage to water lines and infrastructure, causing many of the residents to go without water for nearly a week. Arts, entertainment, festivals Thomas A. Dorsey Festival, closest Saturday to July 1, features gospel music and blues Gold Rush Festival, Saturday after Labor Day Homecoming Parade/Pep Rally The movie Randy and the Mob was filmed mostly in Villa Rica in August 2005. Taste of VR Golden City Car Cruisers - Cruise In The MILL Amphitheater V-PLEX Fireworks Show Education Carroll County School District The Carroll County School District provides education from pre-school through grade twelve and consists of twelve elementary schools, six middle schools, and five high schools. As of 2019–20, the district has 945 full-time teachers and 15,005 students. Schools located in Villa Rica include: Villa Rica High School Bay Springs Middle School Glanton-Hindsman Elementary School Ithica Elementary School Villa Rica Elementary School Other public schools The Douglas County School District and Paulding County School District also operate two elementary schools located in Villa Rica. Mirror Lake Elementary School (Douglas County) New Georgia Elementary School (Paulding County) Private schools Sunbrook Academy at Bay Springs Mirror Lake Academy Demographics 2020 census As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 16,970 people, 5,166 households, and 3,766 families residing in the city. 2000 census As of the census of 2000, there were 4,134 people, 1,550 households, and 1,114 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 1,769 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 79.32% White, 17.90% African American, 0.80% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.06% from