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A High Country Fourth of July; Where Will You and Yours Be Celebrating This Independence Day?

Compiled by Madison V. Fisler

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July 1, 2014. With Independence Day just a few short days away, it’s time to get cracking on those Fourth of July plans. This year, there are many parades, concerts celebrations, festivals and much more to help celebrate the Fourth of July and there truly is something for everyone.

Check out our list of events and make this year an Independence Day to remember.

Boone

The Town of Boone has a full day of activities planned to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. Activities begin at 11 a.m. on King Street in downtown Boone with the annual Fourth of July parade. The Town of Boone will honor its Grand Marshals, Bricca and Sonny Sweet and celebrate “Life in Boone, How sweet it is”. The parade will travel down King Street in Downtown Boone and will conclude at Poplar Grove Extension.

Following the parade, the Town of Boone will continue the celebration with cake, watermelon and a free concert on the lawn of the Jones House Cultural and Community Center. The concert will start at 1 p.m. and will feature Fat Face Band, and Liz Hayes & Common Threads. The fun continues later that evening at Clawson/Burnley Park off of Hunting Hills Lane. The entertainment starts at 7 p.m. with music provided by “Let the music play DJ Service”, followed by the annual fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

For more information about the Fourth of July activities please contact the Town of Boone at 828-268-6200 or The Jones House Cultural and Community Center at 828-268-6280. For a parade registration form, click to www.townofboone.net.

Blowing Rock

Fourth of July Festival and Parade

The annual Fourth of July Festival and Parade will be held in Downtown Blowing Rock on Saturday, July 5 from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Festivities will include a horse shoes tournament; park games including water balloon toss, watermelon eating contests, face painting and more; a climbing tower, bounce obstacle course, a clogger performance, patriotic sing-along, live music and fireworks at the Blowing Rock Country Club. The parade will take place at 2 p.m. on Main Street.

For more information about this event, call 828-295-5222.

Tweetsie Railroad Fireworks Extravaganza

On Friday, July 4, Tweetsie Railroad’s parking lot will remain open until 9 p.m. for Tweetsie’s annual Fireworks Extravaganza. Tickets for the fireworks show are just $5 per car and offer a great view of one of the best fireworks displays in town.

For more information about this event, click here.

Avery County

Sugar Mountain

This Friday night feel the sensations of American patriotism as you watch the area’s fourth of July fireworks show from the top of Sugar Mountain. Scenic chairlift rides operate this Friday from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. specifically for the fourth. 

Starting Saturday, July 5, the lifts operate every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. through Labor Day on Sunday, Aug. 31. One-time or all-day lift tickets are available as well as group tickets. Kids ages four and under ride free with a ticketed adult. 

Purchase your family’s cold weather wear during Sugar’s Fourth of July Winter Sale. Everything in the shop is on sale. The doors open this Friday, July 4, at 10 a.m. and close on Sunday, July 6 at 6 p.m. Daily sale hours are 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. 

Sugar Mountain hiking and biking trails have been open since early May and are available daily through Oct. 19 from dawn until dusk. The trail system intertwines throughout the Village of Sugar Mountain. Trail heads are accessible from many points throughout the village.

Daily usage is free of charge and trail maps are conveniently located at the base of Sugar Mountain and online at www.SkiSugar.com.

Banner Elk

The Banner Elk Fourth of July Parade is held each year on July 4 in downtown Banner Elk. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. and will lead into the annual “Party in the Park” at Tate-Evans Park hosted by the Town of Banner Elk and the Banner Elk Kiwanis Club. The party will include food, games and the “Great American Duck Race” for all-day fun. For more information about this event please call 828-898-5398.

Banner Elk Elementary School will host an Independence Day Fine art and Craft Show on Friday, July 4. An annual event held at the Old Banner Elk Elementary School field in beautiful downtown Banner Elk, NC. Over 75 Handmade Fine Artists & Craftsman from around the country will be here to showcase their work.

Beech Mountain

The 47th Annual Roasting of the Hog and Fireworks Display is scheduled for July 5 at 6 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce. Celebrate Independence Day with Beech Mountain with a hog roasted all day long to perfection and cut right in front of the crowd. Enjoy music, yummy moon pies, games and fireworks at the very end of the night.For more information about this event, call 828-387-9283.

The Beech Mountain Independence Day Picnic will be held from 12-2 p.m. on July 4 at Buckeye Recreation Center for some good old fashioned picnic food and games. Activities will include a bounce house, relay races, food and national pride. For more information call the Recreation Department at 828-387-3003.

Liberty Day Parade

The Elkland Art Center in Todd will host the annual Liberty Day Parade on July 4 at Railroad Grade Road in Todd. The parade officially begins at 11 a.m. and is a great choice for those looking for a small but exciting and colorful parade to attend. For more information, call 336-877-5016.

Crossnore

Crossnore will host an Independence Day celebration with a day long craft fair, face painting, cake walk, arts and crafts, frog jumping contest, Honorary Veterans Ceremony, street dance, fireworks and festivities until dark.

Newland

Newland will host a car show from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., a parade starting at 12 p.m. and bouncy houses.

Seven Devils Safety Test

Seven Devils will host a Safety Fest with watermelon, water balloon toss, cake walk, a Harley Davidson Raffle, a Riverwalk Summer Concert Series at 6 p.m. featuring Tommy Z and fireworks.

Ashe County

West Jefferson

This year marks the 28th anniversary of the West Jefferson Christmas in July Festival. This year’s festival, held July 4 and 5 in downtown West Jefferson, will feature a wide variety of events including a giant puppet parade, roving street performers, Civil War reenactments, more than 100 craft vendors, many live musical performances, Christmas tree farm competitions and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. For more information about the Christmas in July festival, click here.