More than 10,000 visitors are expected to fill downtown Bryson City on July 4 as Freedom Fest returns with live music, family activities, dozens of vendors and a fireworks display organizers say is among the largest in the region.
The annual celebration, hosted by the Bryson City-Swain County Chamber of Commerce, will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
“This year’s Freedom Fest is especially exciting because we’re celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence,” said Chamber President Monica Brown. “We’ve expanded family activities, added more live entertainment throughout the day, and worked hard to create something the whole community can be proud of. I’m especially excited to see downtown filled with families, music, and people enjoying this special day together.”
The festival will feature 71 vendors, including 11 food and concession vendors and 60 craft vendors. Families will find two dedicated children’s activity areas located in the Hallmark parking lot and on the Swain County Visitor Center lawn.
Live entertainment begins at 10 a.m. on the stage at GSMR Square and continues throughout the day with performances by Granny’s Mason Jar, Asheville Mountain Boys, Jaded, Shane Mead & the Sound and Lands’ Creek Band. The celebration concludes with fireworks at 10 p.m
Additional attractions include a misting station at GSMR Square to help attendees stay cool and a dunk tank operating from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Brown said Freedom Fest has grown into something special for our community.
“Freedom Fest has become one of Western North Carolina’s premier Fourth of July celebrations, and we anticipate one of our biggest crowds yet,” she said.
Among the highlights this year are expanded family activities, more than 70 vendors, live entertainment throughout the day and evening, and what organizers describe as one of the largest fireworks displays in Western North Carolina.
“Plan to arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, and expect street closures around Everett Street throughout the day,” Brown said. “We encourage everyone to wear comfortable shoes, explore the entire event, support our local businesses, and enjoy everything Freedom Fest has to offer.”
For Brown, the event represents more than a day of festivities.
“Freedom Fest is one of those traditions that brings our community together,” she said. “Organized by the Bryson City/Swain County Chamber of Commerce with the tremendous support of the Swain County Tourism Development Authority, the Town of Bryson City, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Darnell Farms, local businesses, sponsors, volunteers, and community organizations, it’s a celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, our hometown, and the spirit of Bryson City and Swain County.”
Brown credited the event’s success to the many organizations, businesses and volunteers who contribute each year.
“Freedom Fest is one of my favorite days of the year because it reminds me what a special community we have,” Brown said. “While the Bryson City/Swain County Chamber of Commerce is proud to organize this event each year, it truly takes the support of our Board of Directors, ambassadors, law enforcement, first responders, volunteers, local businesses, and sponsors working together to make it possible. I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has invested their time, talents, and resources into this celebration, and I hope our community feels proud of what we can accomplish when we work together.”