Jessica Webb
editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com
Bryson City is a hub for all things summer— from tubing to ice cream cones and antique shopping. This year’s July 4thholiday that fell on a Thursday and the following weekend business proved a positive one for business.
The annual Freedom Fest on the holiday packed Everett Street, and other activities kept people busy throughout the holiday weekend, including a Sweet Corn Festival at Darnell Farms and Singing in the Smokies at the event park.
“Freedom Fest was a huge success for both local businesses and vendors, with attendees numbering from 7,000-9,000 throughout the day, even with the heat,” said Karen Proctor, Swain County Chamber of Commerce executive director. “It was heartening to see so many of our local businesses stay open later to take advantage of the crowds that the event brings.”
She said this year’s event had its challenges given construction on the far end of Everett Street, but they still had 78 vendors.
Calby’s Antiques was among the local businesses that took advantage of the July 4th holiday, extending their hours from 8:45 a.m. to 10 p.m.
“We had a fantastic day,” said Terrie Stephens, a co-owner, who added it was probably the store’s best day since she’s been a part of the business this spring. “We had the store open and customers up until the minute the fireworks started. It kind of slowed through the weekend, but it was steady.”
In Cherokee, Harrah’s Casino was a busy place over the long weekend.
“Fourth of July is one of our busiest holidays where we always prepare for an influx of visitors. This year, we experienced an increase in visitation, hotel occupancy and restaurant covers from prior year at both properties,” said Kelci Coker, Harrah’s public relations. “The holiday’s day of week placement helped contribute to that increase as it allowed for a longer period of high business volume days. Over the course of the holiday weekend, we welcomed over 47,000 guests to celebrate with us.”
Sarah Conley, executive director of the Swain County Tourism and Development Authority, said the short-term rental data for July 4th showed an occupancy rate of about 70% with the average stay of about 3 nights.
She said it was incredibly busy in town. “As far as the weekend overall, the Visitor Center was up about 200 people July 3-July 6, and about 100 up from last year on July 4,” she said.
Singing in the Smokies at the Great Smoky Mountains Event Park sold more than 2,000 tickets over the 3-night event as well, she shared.
The weekend was busy for Darnell Farms, as well. On Saturday, the farm hosted a Sweet Corn Festival with about 2,000 people attending and more than 100 bags of sweet corn sold.
“Business was booming,” said Afton Darnell Roberts, co-owner/farm operator. She said the event drew about 500 more attendees than in 2023.
“We were delighted to welcome customers from all over the world, with special mention to visitors from the United Kingdom and Australia,” she said.
The festival included special activities like a corn-eating competition and workshops from J Creek Cloggers, as well as live music and local vendors.
People were certainly getting out on the water during the week of hot weather. Nantahala Outdoor Center reported every aspect of its business from rafting to lodging had great numbers with many days being close to sold out.
“Comparing to 2023, it was significant growth for the holiday week, showing that people are still interested in outdoor adventures and visiting the Bryson City area,” said Kristin Kastelic, NOC communications officer.
The NOC had live music as part of its offerings through the holiday weekend.
Public safety
The weekend kept public safety staff busy, and the hot weather was among the top concerns. Swain County Dispatch answered 455 calls between July 4-July 7.
“I would like to thank our 911 dispatchers who worked during the holiday weekend,” said Misty Tabor, Swain County Emergency Manager/911 director. “We received several heat exposure calls, which is common for the heat and everyone doing activities outdoors.”
Bryson City Fire Department assisted in the holiday activities, watering down the end of the airport for the Independence Day fireworks show. The department also assisted Qualla Fire and Rescue with a structure fire on Bumgarner Cemetery Road in Whittier on Friday and assisted EMS on first responder calls over the holiday weekend, said BCFD Chief Charles Bryson.
West Swain Volunteer Fire Department reported a busy Friday with six calls that day including brush fires, fire alarms and vehicle accidents. Volunteers also had a booth at Singing in the Smokies over the weekend.
Alarka Fire Volunteer Department volunteers could be found at Freedom Fest on Friday. The department also assisted on first responder calls over the weekend.