1000 x 90

July 4 Lands on a Wednesday, But Independence Day Festivities Start Saturday: Click To View Extensive List

By Jesse Wood

July 28, 2012. Independence Day festivities start early this year in the High Country because July 4 falls on a Wednesday. From music and barbecue to fireworks and children’s games with prizes, there is something for everyone in all of the municipalities and towns in the area. Check below for an extensive list of Fourth of July events.

Saturday, June 30 – Green Park Inn Great American BBQ

The Green Park Inn located in Blowing Rock hosts an Independence Day celebration several days early on Saturday, June 30. The event includes fireworks, family style BBQ, live music by Tidal, a cash bar and “the best seat in town.”

The dinner includes hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken sandwiches, potato, pasta and green salads, watermelon and cookies. Adults cost $15.95, children 10 and under $7.95 and kids 3 and under are free. Reservations encouraged – call 828-414-9230.


Seven Devils Safety Fest, June 30

Seven Devils Town Hall will host the 9th annual Safety Fest bar-b-que dinner, raffle, craft show and silent auction this Saturday, June 30. The BBQ dinner features big portions of BBQ, baked beans, cole slaw, a roll, a drink and dessert.

The craft show will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eat in or carry out food will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Raffle winners announced every hour. Silent auction bidding takes place from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Adult dinners cost $7, and dinners for kids under 12 cost $5. All proceeds “go to improve facilities for a better Seven Devils.” For more information, 828-963-5343.


Saturday, June 30 – 47th Annual Roasting of the Hog at Beech

Fireworks take place after dark. Music is provided by the Smokey Breeze Band, and there will be dancing, children’s games, face painting, scenic lift rides and more while dining indoor or outdoor at the Beech Mountain Resort. Serving begins at 6 p.m. Advance tickets are $15 for adult, $7.50 for child or $20 and $10 at the gate. To purchase tickets, click to www.beechmountainchamber.com. For more information call 800-468-5506.


Saturday and Sunday, June 30 to July 1 – Blowing Rock’s July 4 Celebration

Fireworks will be on June 30 at the Blowing Rock Country Club at 9:30 p.m. Look below for the schedule of events. For more information, contact Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation at 828-295-5222.

Saturday, June 30, 2012

9:00a.m. – Until?   Adult Horseshoe Tournament (18 years & up) Cash Prizes

9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Park Games with prizes

  • Water Balloon Toss
  • Watermelon Eating Contest
  • Face Painting
  • And much more!

11:00a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Climbing Tower

11:00a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bounce & Obstacle Course

10:00a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Country Magic Cloggers

11:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. Vagabonds- Patriotic Sing Along

12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Buckhaggard Band

2:00p.m. Independence Day Parade

3:00 to 4:30 p.m. The Cockman Family-Bluegrass Gospel

9:30 p.m. Fireworks-The Blowing Rock Country Club

Sunday, July 1, 2012

  • 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Diana & Sarvis Ridge-Bluegrass
  • 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Sweet T- Park Dance

Tuesday, July 3 – Super Summer: 4H Fourth of July Science Workshop

From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the old Cove Creek School will host a July 4 science workshop for kids ages 8 and up. This workshop will be a blast as we create some interesting, messy, chemical reactions. We will eat one tasty chemical reaction. The workshop costs $5. Participants will meet at the Old Cove Creek School Picnic Shelter. Registration is required. No drop-ins. To register go to http://watauga4h.blogspot.com/p/summer-activities.html. For more info, call the Watauga County Cooperative Extension at 828-264-3061.


Wednesday, July 4 – Elkland Art Center Liberty Parade in Todd

The annual July 4 Liberty Parade presented by Elkland Arts Center will start at 11 a.m. at the crossroads of N.C. 194 and Railroad Grade Road in Todd. This year’s theme is AIR. Come experience the winds of creativity; windsocks, pinwheels, all sorts of mysterious fabrications enlivened by air. This year’s parade incorporates Latino culture.

Everyone is invited to join in and dress-up in costumes provided by Elkland Art Center. Dress-up begins at 10:30 a.m. Following the parade there is live music and food available for purchase in the Walter and Annie Cook Memorial Park.This event is free of charge, although donations are encouraged.

For more information contact Lexie Danner at lexie@elklandartcenter.org or 828-964-5627.


Wednesday, July 4 – Downtown Boone Fourth of July Parade, Snacks and Fireworks

Town of Boone has a variety of events for July 4. The parade, which begins at Horn in the West Drive and ends at Popular Grove Connector, starts at 11 a.m. Watermelon and cake will be served at the Jones House Community Center in downtown Boone at noon. Fireworks with D.J. Carl take place at Clawson/Burnley Park at “dark-thirty,” which means 30 minutes after dark. Carpooling to the parade is encouraged. For more information, call Downtown Boone Development Association at 828-264-4532 or the Town of Boone at 828-268-6200.


Wednesday, July 4 – Banner Elk Parade, Used Book Sale and Duck Races

The Banner Elk Chamber along with the Town of Banner Elk will host the annual 4th of July parade on July 4, at 11:00 AM. The parade route begins at Lees-McRae College and ends at the Tate-Evans Park in Banner Elk. For more information, contact the Banner Elk Chamber office at 828-898-8395 or the Town of Banner Elk at 828-898-5398.

The Banner Elk Kiwanis is joining with the Town of Banner Elk to celebrate July 4. Beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m., Kiwanis will host a used book sale in the park. Giant blue barrels have been placed across Avery County to collect donated books. Barrel locations include the Banner Elk, Linville and Newland post offices, Bank of America in Banner Elk, YMCA of Avery County in Linville, Linville Land Harbor, Fifth Third Bank in Banner Elk and Beech Mountain Town Hall. Book sale proceeds go toward purchasing books for Avery County Schools and students.

Following the parade, the excitement returns to the park where there will be food available for purchase and games provided for the children. Duck races will be held with tickets available for $5.00 per duck. Prizes donated by local businesses will be awarded for winning ducks.


Wednesday, July 4 – Mountain Home Music Annual July 4 Concert

The “Salute to Veterans” celebration concert features Bluegrass and Brass and the Mountain Home Music Bluegrass Boys. The show starts at 7:30 p.m and is held at the Blowing Rock School Auditorium. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 for students.

Bluegrass & Brass is the Blue Ridge Mountain version of New Orleans’ Dixieland. It’s unique, exciting and full of joy. Mountain Home Bluegrass Boys and the King Street Brass are featured.

The Bluegrass Boys are David Johnson, Steve Lewis, and Scott Freeman. The brass band is Harold McKinney, Bill Jones, Sarah Storms and others. This annual concert is a celebration of the 4th of July and always includes a special salute to veterans.

For more information, click to www.mountainhomemusic.com or call 828-964-3392.


Wednesday, July 4 – Fireworks Extravaganza at Tweetsie Railroad

After the park closes, enjoy fireworks under the stars at Tweetsie Railroad. The park is open until 9 p.m. Parking costs $5.Optional dinner and fireworks viewing in the Hacienda with a special buffet chicken and barbeque dinner with all the trimmings: Adults, $14.95; Ages 3-12 $9.95; Kids 2 & under FREE. For more information, click to www.tweetsie.com or call 877-893-3874.


Wednesday, July 4 – Independence Day Fine Arts and Crafts Show

Mountain Top Promotions’ Fine Arts and Crafts Show presents its Independence Day Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the old Banner Elk Elementary School field in downtown Banner Elk. View the Banner Elk July 4 parade at 11 a.m. while shopping.

Mountain Top Promotion’s shows are hand-made shows featuring non-commercial artists with at least one year of arts & craft show experience. We pride ourselves on accommodating the needs of our artists, so please contact us if you have any questions regarding our shows.

For more information about Mountain Top Promotions, or for artists/crafters interested in showcasing products at a show, call Pat Harris at 828-260-1041, email her at mtntoppromotions@bellsouth.net or click to www.mountaintoppromotions.com.


Wednesday, July 4 – Independence Day Celebration at the Orchard

The annual July 4 Celebration at the Orchard takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Historic Orchard at Altapass, located on the Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 328.3 in Spruce Pine.

Free live music takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00. Admission for the meal is a dish to share, large enough for your party with some extra for the musicians who will be entertaining all day. In place of the covered dish, guests may pay $12 per meal. The Orchard provides fresh barbecue, water, iced tea, and paper goods.

For more information, click to http://www.altapassorchard.com or call 828-765-9531.


Wednesday, July 4 – Ashe County Park July 4 Celebration

Visit the Ashe County Park on July 4 for a fun day of fireworks, food and music. Free shuttle service available from the Ashe County Courthouse starting at 3 p.m. Fireworks at sunset; park opens at noon. For more information, call 336-982-6185.


Wednesday, July 4 – Old Hampton Store July 4th Celebration

Celebrate our independence with live music, a pig picking, a kiln opening and demonstrating artists at the Old Hampton Store in Linville, located at 77 Ruffin Street. For more information, call Abigail at 828-733-5213. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.


Wednesday, July 4 – Bethel Blast

Bethel Baptist Church presents its annual Fourth of July celebration, known as Bethel Blast, on Wednesday. The event is free and open to everyone.

Bethel Blast takes place from 5 to 10 p.m. at Bethel Park. The event features music, barbeque, fireworks, fellowship and jubilance.


Wednesday, July 4 – Elk Park Independence Day Parade

The parade begins at 11:00 a.m. at H&H Trucking and end at Jack Hicks Trucking. No fireworks. Those wishing to participate may call Town Hall at 828-733-9573.


Wednesday, July 4 – Crossnore Independence Day Celebration

The parade begins at Clark Rd. at 4 p.m. followed by an honoring of veterans. Stay for music, food and activities for the kids at 5 p.m. but don’t leave before the fireworks show. Free entry for event.


Wednesday, July 4 – Newland Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks

The parade is at 2 p.m. in Newland, with fireworks at dusk. The parade goes through Newland, running from Newland Town Square to Lowe’s Foods. Lineup for the parade begins at 1 p.m. at the Senior Center. When the sun sets, the town of Newland will provide its own fireworks show. To participate in the parade, call Veronica Brocco at (828) 719-1620 by Monday, July 2.


Wednesday, July 4 – Cranberry Independence Day Celebration

Cranberry will celebrate Independence Day with a parade at 6 p.m. on July 4. Lineup for the parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Tucker Hollow Road. Afterwards, a cookout at 7 p.m. continues the party with fireworks following the cookout at 9:30 p.m.


Wednesday, July 4, and Saturday, July 7 – Hickory Ridge Homestead’s Burnings

The Hickory Ridge Homestead at Horn in the West hosts “The Burning of the Effigy of King George” on two nights – Wednesday, July 4, and Saturday, July 7, at 6:30 p.m.

The event features actors from the Horn in the West drama reading an excerpt from the Declaration of Independence. Also, 13 audience members will read toasts for the original 13 colonies. Muskets will be fired and apple cider drunk.

“I think this year we’ll have a lot more participation. Every year it seems to be growing,” said Katy Cook, office administration intern with the Hickory Ridge Homestead.

For more information, call 828-264-2120.


Friday and Saturday, July 6 to 7 – Christmas in July

This annual event in West Jefferson features music, food, demonstrations and much more. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 7.

Experience the best in bluegrass, old time, gospel and country music!

Friday, July 6: Street Party (food and music only)

  •     7:00 – 8:30PM    The Buck Haggard Band
  •     8:30 – 10:00PM  Wolf Creek Band 

 Saturday, July 7:  Festival (food, crafts and music)

Main Stage

  • 9 p.m. Southern Accent – bluegrass gospel
  • 10 p.m. Heritage – homegrown acoustic gospel
  • 11 p.m. Crooked Road Ramblers – oldtime traditional
  • 12 p.m. Becca Eggers and Amantha Mill Band – modern bluegrass
  • 1 p.m. Wayne Henderson and Friends – Appalachian guitar stylist
  • 2 p.m. Jeff Little – Appalachian music on the piano!
  • 3 p.m. Freeman and Williams – bluegrass
  • 4 p.m. Leona Williams – classic country Nashville singer/writer
  • 5 p.m. The Toneblazers – great mix of music styles and songs
  • 6 p.m. Carolina Crossing Band – solid bluegrass       

Community Stage

  • 9 p.m. JAM – Junior Appalachian Musicians
  • 10 p.m. Dancin’Debbies (will perform until 1:00)
  • 1 p.m. Sons of Pitch – Acappella Quartet
  • 1:30 p.m. April’s School of Dance (will perform until 3:00)
  • 3 p.m. Fleet Feet Cloggers
  • 4:30 p.m. Tonya Halsey’s Voice Students (will perform until 7:00)

Tree Grower Events

  • 9a.m. Fertilizer Back Pack Relay
  • 10 a.m. 1 Ton Fertilizer Relay
  • 11 a.m. Tug of War
  • 12 Noon Tree Bailing

 


Saturday, July 7 – Outdoor Fireworks Concert: Creedence Clearwater Revisited with special guest Lee Brice

As part of An Appalachian Summer Festival, the concert starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets cost $35 for general admission, $30 for Blue Ridge Electric members and $5 for kids 5 and under. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. Picnics allowed into the stadium but no alcohol. Fireworks follow the show. For more information, call 828-262-4046.

Tailgating is allowed in the following parking lots:

Stadium Lot (special parking pass required)

Raley Parking Lot

Edwin Duncan Parking Lot

Farthing Parking Lot

Mix a legendary rock group with an up-and-coming country superstar, and you get a fresh take on some of classic rock’s most groundbreaking music— and the new sound of country with a hint of rock. The timeless sounds of Creedence Clearwater Revisited and the popular country stylings of Lee Brice complement each other in a way that resonates with the young— and the young at heart.

The Creedence Clearwater Revisited project was launched in 1995 by members of Creedence Clearwater Revival to perform the band’s popular hits that have stood the test of time. In 2003, the group released Recollection, a greatest hits compilation album. Today they perform concerts all over the world, with thousands singing along to the classics Susie Q, Proud Mary, Down On The Corner, Fortunate Son and Bad Moon Rising, among others.

One of the most promising voices in country music today, former Clemson University football player Lee Brice is climbing the charts and changing the landscape of country music with hits such like Love Like Crazy, A Woman Like You and Upper Middle Class White Trash. Brice has also lent his lyrical genius to artists such as Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton and Garth Brooks, who recorded More Than a Memory, the first song in Billboard chart history to debut at No. 1.