Where to see Asheville, WNC July 4th fireworks and enjoy festival fun
Where to see July 4th fireworks in WNC
Independence Day is Thursday, July 4, and there is no shortage of fireworks festivals in the works across Western North Carolina. Since the federal holiday falls midweek this year, some communities will have fireworks on July 4, some on Friday, July 5 and some the weekend after the 4th. Check out the listing below and plan ahead.
Celebrate the 4th of July safely: Leave fireworks to the professionals
Each July 4, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks, which include devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death. That’s why the Asheville Fire Department recommends leaving the fireworks to the professionals, according to a news release from AFD.
More: Are fireworks legal in NC? Here's what to know about state laws on pyrotechnics
The fire department enforces the North Carolina Fire Code, which includes strict restrictions on the sale and use of illegal fireworks. Legal fireworks include novelty items that do not explode, fly, spin, or leave the ground, which include fountains, smoke devices, snappers, glowworms, sparklers, poppers, and snakes. Illegal fireworks include any that explode or leave the ground/project into the air, such as Roman candles, firecrackers, aerial fireworks, and bottle rockets, according to AFD.
Even legal fireworks can pose significant risks, causing burn injuries and other accidents. The Asheville Fire Department encourages residents to consider safe alternatives, such as an outdoor movie night, using glow sticks instead of sparklers, or having fun with red, white, and blue silly string.
For those using legal fireworks, follow these safety tips:
Always have a nearby water source.
Never allow children to use lighters.
Be mindful of pets who may get scared.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Use fireworks only in private settings.
Remember, sky lanterns are illegal.
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Lake Junaluska Fireworks: Activities begin at 7 a.m. July 3, Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center, Haywood County. Visit www.lakejunaluska.com to register for golf competition, paddle race, QiGong, decorated kayak/canoe/paddleboard contest. Jason Crabb concert with magician Mickey Bell 6 p.m. ($25-$75). Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Madison County Championship Rodeo: 8 p.m. July 3-4, Madison County Fairgrounds, 330 Carolina Lane, Marshall. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks on July 4 after rodeo ends. $20, $10 children, free age 5 and younger.
Asheville Tourists baseball game and fireworks: Catch the 6:35 p.m. Tourists vs. Greenville game at McCormick Field on July 3 and stick around for the post-game Independence Day fireworks show. Visit www.milb.com.
Ingles Independence Day Block Party: Noon-10 p.m. July 4, Coxe and Buxton avenues, downtown Asheville. Ultimate Air Dogs, food vendors, music, crafts, fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Visit ashevilledowntown.org/independence-day/.
Fireworks viewing party: 10 p.m. July 4, Lookout Brewing, 103 S. Ridgeway Ave., Black Mountain. Music bingo 6-10 p.m., then stay to watch fireworks from parking lot. Mac's Burgers open 4-9 p.m.
Black Mountain Fireworks: Fireworks on July 4 can be viewed in various locations around town. Festivities in town begin around7 p.m.
Montreat Conference Center Fourth of July Celebration: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. July 4, 401 Assembly Drive, Montreat. Annual Gait Race 5K 7 p.m., raising of flag 10 a.m., parade 10:30 a.m., book sale, ice cream social, free pool, boats and tennis 2-6 p.m., games, softball game 2 p.m., silent auction, Big Circle Mountain Dance 7 p.m. Visit www.montreat.org for full schedule.
The Old Fort 4th of July Rodeo: 7:30 p.m. July 3-4, 189 Catawba River Road, Old Fort. Professional bull riding, barrel racing, cowboy action, Wild West entertainment. Food trucks on site. View fireworks after the rodeo on July 4. $20, $10 age 6-12, free age 5 and younger. Tickets will be cash only at the gate.
Backyard Fourth Independence Day: 6-11 p.m. July 4, Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, 3374 Soco Road. Barbecue plates are $10 each.
Marion July 4th Celebration: Parade begins at 6 p.m. July 4 in downtown Marion. A special spot is reserved at beginning of the parade for “Anything That Rolls." Grand Marshals are McDowell County veterans. Fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
Fourth of July Celebration: Parade at 10:30 a.m. July 4 in downtown Hendersonville with local organizations, classic cars, veterans and more. Evening festivities begins at 5 p.m. in downtown Hendersonville. Food trucks, kids fun zone, music, fireworks at dusk. Visit hendersoncountync.gov/recreation.
Shindig on Main: 4-9:30 p.m. July 4, East Main Street, Brevard. Flag raising ceremony, reading of Declaration of Independence, music, dancing, food trucks, fireworks after dark launched from Brevard College campus.
Lake Junaluska July 4th Celebration: July 4: Parade at 11 a.m., buffet picnic, Whitewater Bluegrass, family square dance noon-2 p.m. ($20, $10.99 ages 5-11 plus tax and service fee), reading of Declaration of Independence 7 p.m., storytelling and music around campfire 8 p.m.
Sylva’s Annual Fireworks Festivities: 6:30 p.m. July 4, Bridge Park, Railroad Avenue, Sylva. Music by Gotcha Groove. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Freedom Fest: 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. July 4, Everett Street, Bryson City. Kicks off at 8 a.m. at Riverfront Park with Firecracker 5K. Register at www.runsignup.com. Festival opens at 10 a.m. Food vendors, music, Kids Fun Zone, fireworks 10 p.m.
July 4th parade and celebration: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. July 4 in downtown Franklin. Line up at 10:30 a.m. to be in parade. Walk, drive or ride and wear red, white and blue. Food court, inflatables, water play, contests.
Mars Hill celebration: 4-10 p.m. July 4, Mars Hill Park, 100 Athletic St. Games, inflatables, music, food trucks, fireworks at dark.
Weaverville July 4th celebration: Music by Datrian Johnson at 7 p.m. and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. July 4 on Main Street in downtown Weaverville.
Beech community 4th of July celebration: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 4, Beech Community Center, 15 Sugar Cove Road, Weaverville. Line up by 9:45 a.m. on Roberts Cove Road to participate in 10 a.m. parade. Country Store opens 9:30 a.m. Patriotic program 11 a.m., lunch on the grounds 12:15 p.m.-bring a dish to share, field games 1:30 p.m. Learn history of local grist mill. Music by The Brank Family.
Fontana Freedom Fest: July 4-6, Fontana Village Resort, 300 Woods Road, Fontana Dam. July 4: Resort activities, parade, face painting, contests. Elvis impersonator Billy Lindsey at 5 and 8 p.m., Dennis Lee Show 7 p.m., fireworks at 10 p.m. July 5: Music by Appalachian Monk 4 p.m., Billy Lindsey 5 p.m., Dennis Lee 6 p.m. July 6: Another round of performances and fireworks. Visit fontanavillage.com.
Downtown Marshall celebration: 6-9 p.m. July 5, Blannahassett Island, Marshall. Music, food trucks, classic car show, fireworks and the famous 60’ American flag.
July 4th Plus One: 6 p.m. July 5, Sorrells Park in downtown Canton. Food trucks, splash pad, DJ, free watermelon, fireworks at dusk.
Fireworks Over Franklin: 5 p.m. July 5 in downtown Franklin. Music, food, fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Live broadcast on 104.9FM WFSC at 8:30 p.m.
Downtown Old Fort: Annual fireworks show at dusk July 5 on Catawba River Road.
4th of July Powwow: July 5-7, Cherokee Expo Center, 1441 Acquoni Road, Cherokee. Authentic Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian dancing, drumming and tribal regalia. Craft and food vendors. Cash only event. Fireworks at 10 p.m. July 6.
Lake Lure Community Independence Celebration: 6:30-9:30 p.m. July 6, Lake Lure Beach, 2724 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure. All-you-can-eat Southern cook-out with cash bar. Bring your beach blanket, chairs and swim floats. Swimming (lifeguard on duty) until 8 p.m., DJ and dancing until 9 p.m., fireworks at dusk. Advance tickets: $24.95, $12.95 age 6-12, free age 5 and younger. Walk on tickets: $29.95, $15.95 age 6-12. Visit www.lakeluretours.com or www.lakelure.com to purchase tickets or call (828) 625-2525, Ext. 0.
Music and fireworks on the square: July 6, Town Square, Burnsville. Entertainment at 7 p.m. by Brian Gurl & Friends. Followed by fireworks. Also PATH’s Sizzlin’ Summer Series with family-friendly activities 10 a.m.-noon.
4th of July Celebration & Fireworks: Noon-4 p.m. July 6 on the lawn of the Alpine Court, 50 Bridge St., Hot Springs. 15′ waterslide, dinosaur bouncy house, giant Jenga, basketball toss, giant bubbles, face painting, Super Soaker Zone. Fireworks in the evening.
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Compiled by Carole Terrell.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Where to see July 4th fireworks and enjoy festival fun in WNC