Montreat commemorates holiday and heroes with patriotic extravaganza
Fourth of July Parade honors Helene workers In hometown tradition
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
July 4, 2025
A local summer tradition honored “Helene Heroes,” July 4, as the 56th Annual Montreat Fourth of July Parade brought hundreds of patriotic onlookers to the streets of the quaint town.
The event, led by Grand Marshal Jane Bannereman, an employee of the Montreat Conference Center and Store for over 40 years, recognized municipal employees, rescue teams and recovery personnel who played critical roles in the aftermath of the natural disaster. The theme of this year’s gathering was Montreat Super Strong.
Hosted by the Montreat Conference Center, the parade features summer clubs, staff, local first responders and various community organizations. The gathering, which was established in 1969 by Glenn Bannerman, is the highlight of a day-long homecoming celebration in the cove.
The founder’s daughter-in-law, Jane, joined by family and friends, led the procession from the intersection of Appalachian Way and Lookout Road to Assembly Drive. The lineup included longtime participants, the Montreat Scottish Pipes & Drums, the Patriotic Westies, the Montreat German Society, Black Mountain Fire Department, Montreat Police Department and Mayor Tim Helms
The celebration came nine months after Tropical Storm Helene devastated the region. Organizers of the parade honored Town of Montreat Public Works Department Director Barry Creasman and department staff Mike Harrison, Daniel Wiggs, Jarod MacIntosh and Drew Brown for their tireless effort rebuilding after the storm.
Joining the procession for the first time was the Mountain Mule Packers, a Mount Ulla-based organization specializing in extreme terrain pack animal supply trains that provided critical assistance to residents stranded by Helene.
The event kicked off a day of Montreat festivities that will conclude with the Big Circle Mountain Dance at the Patricia Cornwell Tennis Center, from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Photos of the 2025 Montreat Fourth of July Parade can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.