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Celebrating Independence
Written By: Luke Osteen | Issue: July 2023
The Fourth of July in Highlands, NC promises music, games and a full fireworks display. It’s all free and everyone is invited.
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; and Traditional Field Games from 11:00 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 Mill Creek’s bridge, 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 downtown. 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.
