Annual Fourth of July parade to honor Helene heroes with 'Montreat Super Strong' theme
Montreat Conference Center headlines Swannanoa Valley holiday happenings
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
July 1, 2025
The Montreat Fourth of July Parade is returning for its 55th year, July 4, as the community celebrates its resilience after Tropical Storm Helene. Photo by Fred McCormick
A local summer tradition will return, Friday, July 4, as the Montreat Conference Center welcomes patriotic revelers for a full day of celebration.
The annual event, which culminates at 10:30 a.m., with the Montreat Fourth of July Parade, kicks off a busy lineup of holiday-themed festivities around the Swannanoa Valley.
Area runners will have the opportunity to get an early start to the day, as the Annual Gait Race 5K gets underway at 7 a.m., at the Montreat Gate. Registration is not required.
The Huckleberry and the Montreat Store, both of which operate in the Moore Center, will open their doors at 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., respectively, before a pre-parade flag raising ceremony on the Anderson Auditorium lawn at 10 a.m.
The parade, which starts at the intersection of Appalachian Way and Lookout Road, continuing to its conclusion on Assembly Drive, will be led by grand marshal Jane Bannerman, who has worked for the Montreat Conference Center and store for more than 40 years.
The daughter-in-law of parade founder, Glenn Bannerman, who passed away in 2020, Jane represents the family’s long-standing role in the holiday tradition. The theme of this year’s parade — Montreat Super Strong — honors the community’s resilience in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene.
The procession will include appearances by the Mountain Mule Packers, who delivered food to stranded residents, and Godfrey Grading, a local business that begin repairs in Montreat immediately after the storm. Town of Montreat public works director Barry Creasman and his crew of Mike Harrison, Daniel Wiggs, Jarod MacIntosh and Drew Brown, who will be working during the parade, will be represented by posters carried by friends and family members.
Regular participants, including the Montreat Scottish Pipes and Drums, camp clubs and seasonal residents, will return for the annual gathering.
Montreat festivities will continue throughout the day, with an ice cream social at William Black Lodge, from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., and free pool, boats and tennis throughout the afternoon. Activities include a silent auction at the Currie Craft Center and Sally Jones Pottery and games at Moore Center Field.
The Fourth of July Big Circle Mountain Dance, from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m., at the Patricia Cornwell Tennis Center, closes out the celebration.
Beyond the Montreat gate, multiple area businesses and organizations will host Independence Day celebrations.
A wide range of Fourth of July activities around the Swannanoa Valley will begin, July 4, with the Montreat Fourth of July Parade. Photo by Fred McCormick
Old Town District will begin serving drinks at 4 p.m., while its Black Mountain Avenue food truck partners offer regular menu items. Asheville-based singer-songwriter Ashley Heath will take the stage from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Across town, Lookout Brewing Co. will host the Liliana Hudgens Band, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., with food options available at the Mac’s Burger & Cheesesteaks food truck, while White Horse Black Mountain presents the Land O’ the Sky Symphonic Band Fourth of July concert, featuring songs by American composers, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Swannanoa residents looking for opportunities to celebrate the holiday can find them at Harley Davidson of Asheville, which will offer free lunch, beginning at 11 a.m. The expansive property will host another party, from 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday, July 5, featuring a live DJ,
Blunt Kitchen, tucked away on Alexander Place in the heart of Swannanoa, is hosting a summer celebration, from 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., honoring the volunteers who assisted in its post-Helene food distribution efforts.
The evening will conclude with a fireworks display, presented by the Town of Black Mountain. The pyrotechnic show begins at dusk and can be viewed from multiple locations downtown.
Fireworks can also be viewed at Black Mountain Brewing, which will remain open for the duration of the exhibition, or Hell or High Water, which is offering a rooftop viewing party that includes Prosecco and Fourth of July-themed desserts for $50.