Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

June 28, 2007 issue


Get Ready for the Fourth!

1451st Leads Boone 4th of July Parade

Story by David Brewer

On Wednesday, July 4, people lining the parade route along King Street in downtown Boone will teem not only with the typical shades of red, white and blue, but also with distinct patches of yellow, as they celebrate the recent return of the 1451st Transportation Company from its long tour of duty in Iraq.

Soldiers from the 1451st, both past and present, will serve as Grand Marshals for this year’s parade, leading the lively procession through town ahead of members of the Disabled Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Watauga American Legion.

Other parade participants include local dignitaries such as members of the Boone Town Council, Cullie Tarleton, Sheriff L.D. Hagaman and Watauga County Board of Education member Steve Combs, as well as the Shriners, local cub scouts and girl scouts, New River Gymnastics, App Rhythms and members of MountainKeepers.

“I’m just very pleased that the 1451st will be leading the parade,” said Boone Mayor Loretta Clawson. “We’re very pleased to have them back from Iraq and it’s a perfect chose to have them for our grand marshals.”

Working closely with the unit and local volunteers during their deployment, Barbara Daye noted that members of the 1451st will be encouraged to congregate at the Jones House following the parade.

“I think that the soldiers feel that leading the parade is a good way to say to the people of Boone ‘thank you for what you’ve done for us,’” said Daye.

Of course, Boone won’t have the only game in town when it comes to celebrating the Fourth of July. Food, fun and fireworks will abound at fantastic parties in all corners of the High Country.

Celebrations from Beech Mountain to Blowing Rock will start this weekend and last until the Lodges at Eagles Nest wrap up Fourth-related festivities with its 2nd Annual Independence Day Festival.

Beech Mountain’s 47th Annual Roasting of the Hog and Fireworks Display

Saturday, June 30

The Town of Beech Mountain, the Beech Mountain Volunteer Fire Department and the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce will again host the 47th Annual Roasting of the Hog. Serving up a blend of great barbeque, live music, dancing and a great fireworks display, the annual party is one of the High Country’s longest running events.

Food will be served at 6:00 p.m. with fireworks starting at dark.

Tickets are $15 per person and $5 for children 10 and under and may be purchased in advance at the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce, Fred's General Mercantile, or at the gate. For additional details, call the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce at 828-387-9283.

Blowing Rock 4th of July Festival, Parade and Fireworks Display

Saturday, June 30, to Sunday, July 1

June 30 to July 1

On Saturday and Sunday, June 30 and July 1, the town of Blowing Rock will be abuzz with activity as it hosts its annual Fourth of July Festival. In addition to joining in the town’s annual parade, kids and adults will have a chance to participate in lots of fun and games.

Serving as Grand Marshal of Blowing Rock’s 2007 Independence Day Parade is Maria Owens of ReMax Village Properties. Owens was the high bidder to be Citizen of the Day at last summer’s Eleganza fundraiser for the Hayes Performing Arts Center, also earning her duties as Grand Marshal of this year’s Independence Day Parade. Owens will also receive various prizes including lunch with Mayor and Mrs. J.B. Lawrence. Owens and her husband Mark will be cruising in a vintage convertible provided by Lewis Jenkins.

Live music from Diana & Sarvis Ridge and The Cockman Family will fill the air on Saturday afternoon prior to the Blowing Rock Country Club’s fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. For more info, call 828-295-5222.

July 4th Fireworks at Tweetsie Railroad

Wednesday, July 4

It may be Tweetsie Railroad’s 50th anniversary season, but the theme park will celebrate the Fourth of July just like it always does with its enormous fireworks display. The park will stay open until 9:00 p.m. and will charge $5 for parking for those watching the fireworks from the Tweetsie lot. Parking is free for Golden Rail Season Pass holders. For more info, call 828-264-9061.

Newland Hosts Fourth of July Festival on the Riverwalk

Wednesday, July 4

Newland’s Fourth of July action will take place along the town’s Riverwalk starting with a children’s parade at 10:00 a.m. Live music will kick off at 1:30 p.m. and again from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. featuring bands Reign and the Southern 76 Band. The town’s fireworks display will light up the night sky starting at 9:45 p.m. For more info, call 828-733-2023.

Downtown Boone Holds Annual 4th of July Parade, Fireworks

Wednesday, July 4

The streets of Downtown Boone will be lined with red, white and blue revelers at 2:00 p.m. on Independence Day as the DBDA presents the annual Fourth of July Parade. The stars of the annual parade will be current and former members of the 1451st National Guard Transportation Unit, who will serve as the parade’s Grand Marshals. The Watauga Community Band will perform a program of patriotic anthems at Jones House starting at 1:00 p.m. Free watermelon will be available at the Jones House following the parade.

Later in the evening, the town of Boone will finish their celebration by hosting music, dancing and fireworks starting at 7:00 p.m. across from the National Guard Armory. The fireworks will get started shortly after dark.

Fore more info, call 828-262-4532.

Banner Elk Hosts Independence Day Parade and Party in the Park

Wednesday, July 4

Beginning at 11:00 a.m. on July 4, the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce will once again be sponsoring an Independence Day Parade. The parade will originate at Lees-McRae College Library and end at Tate-Evans Town Park. Banner Elk School Principal Ken Townsend will serve as the Grand Marshall, escorted by a group of local Boy scouts. The Kiwanis Club has donated 500 small flags to be distributed to the children along the parade route.

A Party in the Park will immediately follow the parade. Food and drinks will be provided by Carolina BBQ and the Banner Elk Garden Club. Wooly Worm MC Roy Krege will lead all children in field games as Floyd Townsend & Friends provides live music in the park’s amphitheater. A number of crafters will be on hand, selling their wares. Booth space is still available for crafters interested in participating.

The ladies of the Banner Elk Garden Club will have their annual plant and bake sale, parting with their homegrown plants for reasonable prices to raise funds for college scholarships given to Horticulture students. Funds from the sale will also be used for maintaining the club’s wildflower garden at mill pond, their 9-11 memorial garden and flower garden in the Tate Evans Town Park. Kiwanis is holding their big annual book sale in the park, too.  It will be a great celebration. 

For more info, call the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce at 898-8395.

The Lodges at Eagles Nest Host 2nd Annual Independence Day Festival

Saturday, July 7

Enjoy a day of fireworks, food, games, crafts and music as the Lodges at Eagles Nest will host its second annual Independence Day Festival at the Heart Rock Amphitheater in Banner Elk.

The day’s musical lineup includes Edwin McCain, Devon Allman's Honeytribe, Jony James Blues Band, Laura Blackley, Jackson Crossing, the Second Look Band and a Tribute to Elvis by John Greene.

At 10:00 p.m., the festival will culminate in a Super Jam featuring players from each of the day’s acts. At the same time, a fireworks display will light up the night sky. 

Gates open at 11:00 a.m. and patrons are encouraged to bring their own blanket. A portion of festival proceeds will be donated to local fire departments.

Tickets are $20 in advance and may be purchased at the Great Train Robbery, or for $25 at the door. For more info, click to www.eaglesnestbe.com or call 828-898-8645.