A Day of Celebration

Written By: Luke Osteen | Issue: June 2023

Reminding us of the powerful sense of neighborliness that underlies this community and this country, Highlands Chamber of
Commerce is offering plenty of Fourth of July fun – free and open to everyone.

The day’s fun begins at the Town Ball Field on Hickory Street, with Water Rocket Launches from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.; followed by the Highlands Rotary Lunch at 11:00 A.M.; and Traditional Field Games from 11:00 A.M. until noon.

Next up, it’s Highlands Fire Department’s Ladder Truck Display and Spray Down at noon, and a visit from the Mountain Area Medical Airlift (MAMA).

The annual Duck Derby, billed as “the most exciting five minutes in Highlands,” will take place at 2:00 P.M. at The Bridge at Mill Creek, offering a chance for cash prizes with ticket purchase.

But those ducks don’t mark the end of the fun, because there’s a blowout performance by Diamond River Band at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, starting at 6:00 P.M.

Diamond River Band is a young, versatile, and hip party band. Spanning the decades with a special emphasis
on Classic Rock, Motown, Country and current hits, Diamond River is for folks looking for something less traditional, while still appealing to a vast range of ages.

Diamond River Band will wrap up its performance at 8:30 P.M., giving its audience a chance to have a bit of refreshment, adjust their seating, and cast their gaze to the skies – the Fireworks Display launches at 9:00 P.M..
Now you’ll hear some Fireworks veterans say that the best place to witness the spectacle is the wide-open space at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.

We’d dispute this – it’s been our experience that you can enjoy the show from virtually everywhere in downtown Highlands.

If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you may want to hike to the summit of Sunset Rock for an unforgettable perspective. If you pursue this course, be sure to take along a flashlight or a fully-charged phone for illumination – the trail is uneven and can be treacherous if you’re not paying attention. Please don’t take a vehicle to the top.