What’s happening on July 4?

Posted on by Madeline Forwerck
WITH A BOOM: In Sylva, the music has stopped, but the fireworks will go on. The town is set to host its sixth annual fireworks display sans festival on July 4 at 9:30 p.m. Photo courtesy of Jackson County Chamber of Commerce

Independence Day will look a little different this year. Faced with the challenge of preserving tradition while also protecting public health, many community celebrations have pivoted to allow attendees to socially distance as they celebrate the country’s founding — but fireworks can be found at a couple of locations in Western North Carolina.

FIREWORKS

Independence Day fireworks display in Historic Downtown Hendersonville

Sponsored by the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority, the fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m. with patriotic music simulcast via WTZQ AM 1600/95.3 FM. Officials will launch a red balloon the morning of the event; wherever the balloon can be seen, the fireworks will be visible as well. Optimal viewing spots will be along South Main, King and Grove streets and Spartanburg Highway. Attendees are encouraged to practice social distancing during the event.

Fireworks display in Downtown Sylva

The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce will host its sixth annual fireworks display. Though the event will not be accompanied by a festival and concert as in previous years, attendees may bring their own lawn chairs or celebrate from their cars. Fireworks will launch around 9:30 p.m. from the Bridge Park area, with great views from the south along Jackson Street and the hills surrounding the Jackson County Public Library.

CELEBRATE FROM HOME

Asheville Downtown Association virtual Fourth of July concert

The Asheville Downtown Association will forgo its usual festival and fireworks display, instead partnering with Ingles Markets to host a virtual concert. The community event will feature eight Asheville-area artists, including Fireside Collective, Lyric and Empire Strikes Brass, performing live from Asheville Music Hall, The Grey Eagle, The Orange Peel and Isis Music Hall. The concert will stream live on IamAVL’s YouTube channel, which can be accessed through the Asheville Downtown Association’s Facebook page. Find the full lineup at avl.mx/7bu.

Virtual Duck Race

Brevard’s July 4th Festival is canceled, but fans of the annual rubber duck race — typically held on Brevard College’s Kings Creek — are in luck as the event is going virtual to benefit the Transylvania Community Arts Council. Duck sponsorships start at $10, and prizes will be awarded to the top 10 finishers. All proceeds will go toward arts programming. The race will be prerecorded and streamed on the Transylvania Community Art Council’s Facebook page at 4 p.m., and will be available for later viewing at tcarts.org.

Independence Day BBQ for Consider Haiti

In lieu of the July 4th Freedom Gala — an annual benefit hosted by Asheville-based nonprofit Consider Haiti — local sponsors have teamed up to offer house-made barbecue plates to go, featuring goods from The Chop Shop Butchery and Geraldine’s Bakery. All proceeds will go toward sustainable food, clean water and medical care for children in Haiti. Individual plates and family-style meals are available for preorder online through Thursday, July 2, at 5 p.m., with pickup on Saturday, July 4, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Patton Parker House on Charlotte Street. Find the full menu at avl.mx/7es.

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One thought on “What’s happening on July 4?”

  1. Joe S Archibald

    Let’s get out and part hardy Asheville!! Woot! Woot! chug! chug!

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