Offering everything from fancy footwork to the requisite fireworks, local Independence Day celebrations kick off as early as July 1. Read on for a list of highlights.
Independence Day in Asheville
Festivities at City/County Plaza run 4-10 p.m. on July 4. Children’s activities, food vendors and highly danceable live music will be among the highlights. The fireworks begin at dusk (around 9:15 p.m.). Call 259-5800 for more info.
Black Mountain celebration
On July 1, the campus of the Black Mountain Center will host the town’s annual Community Independence Day Celebration. Concessions and game booths will open at 6 p.m., the Kings Creek Bluegrass Band will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. (wear your dancing shoes), and fireworks will begin at dusk. Call 669-3152 for more info.
Fabulous Fourth festivities in Columbus
On July 3, downtown Columbus, N.C., hosts an all-day food, fun and crafts festival, along with evening musical entertainment. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. Call (828) 894-8236 to find out.
Stars and Stripes in Waynesville
Waynesville’s annual Stars and Stripes Celebration takes place on July 3, when Main Street is invaded by sidewalk sales, live music, refreshments and fun for all ages, running 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Call (828) 926-1686 for more info.
Fourth of July celebrations in Brevard
Brevard’s Independence Day festivities run 8 a.m.-10 p.m. on July 3. Highlights to be enjoyed on and around the town’s main drag will include a 5-K Firecracker Run, antique cars, pony rides, music, dance, food and fireworks. Call (828) 884-3278 for more information.
Besides the town of Brevard’s “official” Independence Day celebration, the Brevard Music Festival will feature a trio of special concerts that weekend: On July 2, 19-year-old pianist Jonathan Bliss appears in concert with the BMC orchestra, performing Beethoven’s “Piano Concerto No. 3,” among other renowned works. On July 3, Thomas Joiner will conduct the Transylvania Symphony Orchestra in a performance that will include Mozart’s “Concerto for Oboe in C Major.” And on July 4, members of the Janiec Opera Company will join the Repertory Symphony Orchestra to present the July 4th Jubilee, featuring patriotic favorites by Gershwin and others, plus Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.” All shows start at 7:30 p.m. and will be held at the Brevard Music Center. Call (828) 884-2019 or (888) 384-8682 for ticket info.
Fireworks show at Lake Julian
On July 4, Lake Julian will be the setting for a fireworks extravaganza, beginning at sundown. Call 684-0376 for directions and further info.
Hendersonville’s fabulous Fourth
Sporting events, musical entertainment, children’s activities and fireworks will highlight Hendersonville’s Independence Day festivities, to be held all day long on July 4, in Jackson Park. Call (828) 697-4884 for complete info.
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