July 4th celebration 'biggest in Western North Carolina'
Bryson City Freedom Festival is right around the corner and Swain County Chamber of Commerce has offered a sneak peek at what is in store this Independence Day.
According to the chamber, Bryson City’s July Fourth celebration is the biggest in all Western North Carolina.
With 63 food and craft vendors and counting, Ricky Sanford, administrative coordinator at the chamber, anticipates an upward of 9,000 people to fill downtown.
Expect deep fried Oreos, barbeque, ice cream, lemonade, kettle corn, funnel cakes and more.
“This year’s Freedom Fest is shaping up to be Bryson City’s biggest and best ever,” said Monica Brown, chamber president. “The chamber of commerce board has been working diligently, for months, to bring new and interesting crafters and vendors to the event while maintaining our core of favorite amazing local artists, potters, jewelry makers, crafters and wood workers.”
Vendors will be stationed on Everett Street to allow shoppers a convenient opportunity to visit their favorite merchants.
“Freedom Fest has two kids inflatable play areas this year with bouncy houses, slides, inflatable axe throwing, football and soccer kicking — all of which is free,” Brown said.
Kids’ areas will be on the Swain County Visitor Center and Heritage Museum lawn and in front of the Hallmark store. Fireworks will shoot off at 10 p.m. from the airport, weather pending.
Music is a huge deal this year.
“We have great live music scheduled throughout the day and at different locations throughout the town,” Brown said. “Music includes Granny’s Mason Jar, Shane Meade, the Corey Stevens Band and Pleasantly Wild.”
Rather than one band performance, live music will play in the streets all day.
Granny’s Mason Jar is on que to play at the old courthouse from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Shane Meade will perform from 1-3 p.m. on Everett Street Bridge; The Corey Stevenson Band plays from 4-6 p.m.; and Pleasantly Wild performs from 7-10 p.m.
Many parties have been involved in organizing Freedom Fest this year.
“The chamber board would like to recognize the hard work of board member Katie Cope, South Bound Market owner, and Ricky Sanford for taking the lead in planning the event,” said Brown. “They have been meeting several times a week since February.”
Cope, for instance, is no stranger to the world of festivals.
“I did festivals for about seven years, all over the country, so my take on going to a street festival is that it’s a unique atmosphere; it’s a lot of fun and a great time to support local and small businesses,” said Cope. “Shopping small and shopping local is so important to a local economy. For every $100 spent at a small business, $68 of those dollar stay in the local economy.”
Sarah Conley, Swain County Tourism Development Authority director, Selena Hyde, TDA staff-person and other board members are working closely with the chamber of commerce to make the event everything they dream for residents and visitors.
“The TDA covers the cost of Western Carolina‘s biggest firework show,” said Brown. “Their generous funding allows us to bring in awesome bands, the kids play areas, printed materials, advertising and even potties among other things necessary to safely host a patriotic festival our town can be proud of.”
Brown also extended gratitude to Darnell Farms.
“Darnell Farms and the Darnell family are proud sponsors of the event and will have a fun and festive photo op booth at Freedom Fest.,” said Brown. “If they’re involved, you know it’s gonna be great.”
The streets will be blocked off at 4 a.m. this year.
Bryson City Freedom Festival will rock the town from 10 a.m. until the last firework lights the sky.
“It’s exciting and heartwarming to see the spirit of collaboration alive and well in our community as we work to honor the birth of our nation, our military and all who fought for our rights and freedom,” Brown said.