One of the undeniable charms of the town of Highlands is the quality of quaint Americana that is preserved in its DNA and is increasingly difficult to find in the vast American landscape of today.
Independence Day provides an opportunity for people to come together as one community to celebrate life and freedoms as Americans.
“We try to schedule everything a year in advance.” Kaye McHan, Executive Director of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce said. “One of the reasons Independence Day in Highlands is so special is because it is a community effort. The Town of Highlands Recreation Dept. is responsible for bringing in the helicopter and all the field games, the Boy Scouts are responsible for the rocket launch, Rotary is hosting the free hot dog lunch and Duck Derby, and the Chamber / Visit Highlands (the Highlands Visitor Center) is providing three days of music and the fireworks.”
As is fitting, the Town of Highlands has a weekend of Fourth of July festivities designed to thrill and entertain locals and visitor alike.
The schedule kicks off on Friday, July 2, with live music at the Town Square by the Foxfire Boys, a versatile, high energy band that grew out of the Foxfire Program in northeast Georgia and has played the Grand Ole Opry.
Saturday, July 3, brings 12 hours of community friendly activities to Highlands. The day starts at the Town Ballfield with the Boy Scouts’ Water Rocket Launch. The Launch will be followed by traditional field games, such as sack races, tug-of-war, a balloon toss, and much more.
At 11 p.m., the Rotary Club of Highlands will provide a hot dog lunch, to be followed by a Helicopter Landing by the plateau’s Med Vac Team. The team will speak to the crowd and allow the curious to inspect the helicopter.
At 2 p.m., get ready for the “Duck Derby”, or as Jerry Moore, Rotarian and Duck Derby organizer calls it “The most exciting five minutes in Highlands.” The event takes place at Mill Creek, behind The Bridge restaurant.
Derby goers pay $10 for a numbered rubber yellow duck, which are dumped upstream into Mill Creek by a crane provided by Wilson Gas. Taking first place will win you $250.00, and cash prizes are awarded (in diminishing increments) throughout the first 10 finishers. All proceeds from the Derby go to charity, and chances to win can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce, The Christmas Tree on Main Street in Highlands, or at the Ballfield on the day of the event.
The evening of the July 3, live music will resume at the Kelsey-Hutchinson Park. Asheville-based Blaze The City and their lively up-tempo sound will take the stage from 6 p.m., – 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 4, will see the skilled and well-seasoned party band Moon Dance perform in the park from 6 p.m., – 8:30 p.m., followed by the fireworks display once the sun sets.
Given the proximity people will find themselves in while enjoying the weekend’s festivities, Mayor Patrick Taylor reminds us of the duty of all participants to practice safety to fully enjoy the fun that these events bring to the plateau.
“Given how the country and our community have endured the COVID pandemic, there will be a special emphasis this July 4th on personal freedom and our ability to interact with our friends and family without fear,” Taylor said. “Nevertheless, I hope those not yet vaccinated will consider embracing full freedom from COVID by getting a vaccine. A vaccinated person not only protects themselves, but also the people that they care about.”
- By Lance Matzke
reporter@highlandsnews.com