Covid19 has changed a lot of what we are used to, but one thing it can’t stop is how we celebrate the Fourth of July across the 828. It may look a little different this year, but the Stars and Stripes will still be celebrated in all its glory.
Starting in our hometown of Franklin — town officials will be shooting off fireworks around 9:30 p.m. The town is teaming up with the local radio station to play patriotic tunes leading up to the big show. Everyone is invited to find a spot around town to park and view the fireworks as they light up the night’s sky. Main Street merchants will be providing music and special deals throughout the day on Saturday.
The sixth annual July 4 Fireworks in Sylva as well as the annual Freedom Fest firework show in Bryson City will also be held on Saturday.
Celebrate the Fourth from a boat on Lake Lure for the perfect view of the fireworks the Rumbling Bald Resort will be shooting off just after dark.
For a full day of shopping on fun, head to Morganton for their annual Freedom FAB Crawl. Retailers, Restaurants, Breweries, and Art Studios will be open for your shopping pleasure from 11 am to 6 pm on Saturday, July 4th. Each business will provide “crawlers” a punch card to get “punched” at each business visited. Visit at least 10 participating businesses and enter for a chance to win prizes!! Three lucky winners will receive some awesome prize packages! There is no cost to participate.
While some towns across Western North Carolina are hosting “drive-in” fireworks, others are hosting virtual celebrations for those who want to stay home. The Asheville Downtown Association will host a virtual Independence Day Celebration, starting at 4 pm on July 4th. The event will feature eight local bands performing at host venues Asheville Music Hall, The Grey Eagle, Isis Music Hall, and The Orange Peel. The online concert is presented by Ingles Markets, with support from Explore Asheville, and produced in partnership with the City of Asheville.
828’s High Country will be continuing the tradition of the 49th annual BEECH Mountain Roasting of the Hog – with a social distancing twist by making the event a drive-thru. Enjoy pork, smoked turkey, and all the fixin’s (beans, slaw, moonpie)- drive-thru style from 5-8. Fireworks will kick off at dark!
Whether you are cruising the lake, shopping along Main Street, or watching the fireworks fill the sky with the mountains in the background from home, stay safe, and celebrate America’s Birthday.