Happy July 4th and Independence Day!
There are so many fun celebrations this weekend with lots of great activities, picnics and BBQ, and of course, July 4th wouldn’t be the same without fireworks! Even with all of the hoopla, it is important to remember what we are celebrating.
We have our Independence because people fought, even
to their deaths for our freedom, and this continues on today! Our founding Forefathers stood up for what was right and declared our independence from tyranny. Just as this country was founded on Godly Biblical principles, I pray that we continue to uphold America and all that she stands for! Let’s fight for Truth, Liberty, and Justice, and Let Freedom Ring!
Here is a condensed version taken and adapted from our local newspapers so you can plan your weekend accordingly. Enjoy your celebrations and feel free to add any festivities not mentioned!
PARADES:
Newland, Friday, July 2nd, part of Summertime on the Riverwalk, a festival supporting the Avery HS band, starts at 3 pm at the town square. Anyone can join, lineup begins at 2 pm. For more info call 828-387-6779 or 828-387-6760.
Elk Park, Saturday, July 3rd at 11 am, lineup at 10:30 am at H&H 
Trucking. For more info, call 828-733-9573.
Banner Elk, Saturday, July 3rd at 11 am beginning near the Chamber of Commerce on Main Street and ending at Tate-Evans Park. Small flags will be distributed to children during the parade. For more info call 828-898-8195.
Todd, Saturday, July 3rd, the Liberty Parade, a presentation of the 
Elkland Art Center, will start at 11 am at the intersection of Highway 194 and Railroad Grade Road. Anyone can participate in the parade, which features colorful costumes, puppets and props created from recycled materials. For more info call 336-877-5016.
Blowing Rock, Saturday, July 3rd, begins at 2 pm, running the length of 
Main Street. For more info call Blowing Rock Parks & Rec at 828-295-5222.
Boone, Saturday, July 3rd, themed “Celebrating 75 Years of the Blue Ridge Parkway”. The parade route will travel along King Street from Horn in the West Drive to Water Street beginning at 3:30 pm. For more info call 828-268-6200.
FIREWORKS :
Blowing Rock Country Club, Saturday, July 3rd at 9:30 pm at Blowing Rock Country Club. For more info call 828-295-3171.
Boone, Saturday, July 3rd, at 9:30 pm at Clawson-Burnley Park on Hunting Hills Lane (Parks & Rec Center). For more info call 828-268-6200.
Ashe County Park, Sunday, July 4th, starting at dark at Ashe County
Park in Jefferson. Free shuttle services beginning at 5 pm will be available to Ashe Park from the Ashe County Courthouse. Attendees are asked to either carpool or take advantage of the free shuttle services. For more info call Ashe County Parks and Rec at 336-982-6185.
Tweetsie Railroad, Sunday, July 4th, spend the day then watch the fireworks display after the park closes at 9 pm. Parking is $5 per car, with no parking charge for Golden Rail Season Pass holders. For more info call 800-526-5740.
FESTIVITIES:
Memorial Park in Blowing Rock , Friday, July 2nd, enjoy dancing and musical performances with Diana & Sarvis Ridge from 2 – 4 pm and Sweet T from 5 – 9 pm. For more info call 828-295-5222.
Summertime on the Riverwalk in Newland, Friday, July 2nd, at 3 pm the festival kicks off with a Parade on the square followed by live music, face painting, food, games and kids’ activities. A cruise-in Car Show and competition begins at 4 pm at Newland Church of Jesus Christ beside Lowes Foods. Sponsored by the Avery Band Boosters, proceeds benefit the Avery High School Band. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 & under, with car show entries an additional $10. For more info call 828-387-6779 or 828-387-6760.
Blowing Rock 4th of July Festival, Saturday, July 3rd, events begin at 9 am with an adult Horseshoe Tournament. Games, including a 
Water Balloon Toss, Watermelon Eating contest and more, take place from 9:30 am – 11 am at Memorial Park. A Climbing Tower and Bounce Obstacle Course will be open from 11 am – 4 pm. Music Performances include the Country Magic Cloggers at 10 am, a patriotic sing-along with the Vagabonds at 11 am, the Buck Haggard Band at 12 pm, and the Cockman Family at 3 pm. For more info call 828-295-5222.
Christmas in July in West Jefferson , Saturday, July 3rd, has it all – straditional mountain music, food vendors, children’s activities and handmade crafts from 9 am – 8 pm. For more info on this FREE event, call 336-846-9196.Safety Fest, Saturday, July 3rd, the 7th annual Seven Devils Safety Fest bar-b-que dinner, raffle, craft show and silent auction at the Town Hall. The Craft Show is from 10 am – 3 pm, and food will be served from 11 am – 3 pm (eat in or carry out). Raffle winners will be announced every hour. For more info call 828-963-5343.
Boone’s Independence Day Celebration, Saturday, July 3rd, kicks off with the grand opening of the Clawson-Burnley Park off Hunting Hills Lane from 11:30 am – 1 pm. Free hotdogs will be available to the public, catered by Back Yard Burgers. At 1:30 pm, enjoy free entertainment and watermelon on the Jones House lawn in downtown Boone before the start of the parade. DJ Carl will play rock tunes at Clawson-Burnley Park at 7 pm. For more info call 828-268-6200.
Banner Elk Festivities, Saturday, July 3rd, Games and Fun start with a
plastic Duck Race at 12:30 pm at Tate-Evans Park, with prizes valued at more than $3,000. Then, Sack Races and 3-Legged Races take place for kids and adults. Pizza, hotdogs, barbeque and drinks will also be available, and the town’s 18th annual book sale will have thousands of books for adults and children starting at 50 cents. For more info call 828-898-8395.
Bluegrass, Bagpipes and Burgers, Saturday, July 3rd, a concert presented by Mountain Home Music in conjunction with a cookout at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock begining at 5 pm, concert at 6:30 pm. Admission is $23 in advance and $25 at the gate for the concert and cookout or $15 in advance and $18 at the gate for the concert only. For more info call 828-964-3392.
Beech Mtn’s. 47th Annual Roasting of the Hog, Saturday, July 3rd,
One of the High Country’s premier 4th of July celebrations, hosted by the Town of Beech Mountain, the Beech Mountain Volunteer Fire Department, Ski Beech and the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce. Carolina pork barbeque and smoked turkey will be served at 6 pm. Tickets are $15 per person and $5 for children 10 and under and can be purchased at the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce, Fred’s General Mercantile or at the gate. For more info call 828-387-9283.
Mountain Top Promotions’ annual 4th of July Craft Show, Sat. & Sun., July 3rd – 4th, at Banner Elk Elementary School. The handmade craft show features free admission and is open to the public from 10 am – 5 pm both days. More than 50 artists and crafters will be in attendance. For more info call 828-898-5605.
Beech Mountain’s 4th of July Picnic, Sunday, July 4th, at the Buckeye Recreation Center from 11 am – 1 pm. For more info call 336-387-9283.
Hearthstone 4th of July Festival at Grandfather Center in Banner Elk, Sunday, July 4th, from 12 – 5 pm. Enjoy a pig pickin’, live music, kids’ activities and more. For more info call 828-898-3461.
Ashe County Parks & Rec Family Activities, Sunday, July 4th, at
Ashe Park in Jefferson beginning at 3 pm. Activities include Airwalks, Music and Food. Individual Airwalk passes are available for $8 each; family four-pack passes are $28. A family-friendly wrestling performance takes place at 5 pm. Attendees are asked to either carpool or take advantage of the free shuttle services. For more info call 336-982-6185.
As you can see, there are lots of happenings here in the High Country! Are you going to any of these? If so, tell us what are your favorite activities for the July 4th weekend, we would love to hear from you! Have a safe time.
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This is by far, the absolute best list of July 4th events I have seen. The Mom Squad always publishes the best list of holiday events and descriptions/info. Thank you!
OH, MY, GOSH! Keri, you found every single thing going on in the High Country, I believe! Great job rounding up events!
Thanks guys, it’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it! Haha!