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Fourth Celebrations

what's happening, when and where

photo Matt Dymond

fireworks illuminate the evening sky

By Mike Conley | The McDowell News

Published: July 2, 2009

Marion will celebrate Independence Day with the traditional parade, a street dance and fireworks.
The city of Marion and Marion Business Association are making plans for the annual Independence Day celebration. Due to the heat of the day, the event will begin with the parade at 6 p.m.
The parade marshals will all veterans, with a special recognition to World War II veterans. Local fire departments are encouraged to participate. All units will gather at Wachovia Bank parking lot.
Parade line-up will be in the parking lots for Asheville Federal, Wachovia and Bank of America. Lineup begins at 5:30 p.m. The "Anything That Rolls" portion will line up at Bank of America's parking lot.
The Foothills Community Band will give a 30-minute concert on the courthouse lawn after the Fourth of July parade. This is the seventh year for the band to perform at the Independence Day event. The band will play patriotic music as well as pieces made famous by Elton John, Queen, and Chicago.
Little Miss McDowell Cheyenne Matson will perform just before the street dance.
At 7 p.m., the local band Sidestreet will take the stage with a high-energy performance.
Food and beverages will be available.
The evening will conclude with fireworks at 9:45 p.m. They will be shot from the recreation field on West Court Street. Due to fallout from fireworks, no one will be allowed in the area around the ballfield.
Bring a lawn chair and enjoy an evening of fun with your friends and neighbors. Due to street closure, seating for the fireworks show is available in the street on West Court. The hill gives a great view of the fireworks show.
For more information, contact the Marion Business Association at 652-2215.
Old Fort will celebrate the Fourth of July with the traditional parade and the annual rodeo. But for the fourth year, Old Fort won't have a fireworks show.
Old Fort's Fourth of July parade will commence at 4 p.m. Friday. The lineup starts at 3 p.m. in the parking lot of Old Fort Elementary School. The parade will make its way up Catawba Avenue and continue onto Main Street. The procession will end at the parking lot of the former Old Fort Finishing plant.
The grand marshals for Old Fort's parade will be local people who have served or are now serving in the military, said Carolyn Slagle, who helps organize the parade.
For more information about the parade, call 668-4915 or 668-4564.
Old Fort won't be having fireworks again this year. Finance Officer Renee Grindstaff said last week the town has not been able to include them in the budget.
But folks will be able to enjoy the annual rodeo presented by the Old Fort Ruritan.
The 15th annual Jason Roberts Rodeo will be held Friday and Saturday in the field along Catawba River Road near Mustard's Last Stand. The event starts at 8 p.m. both nights.
The Old Fort event is sanctioned by the Southern States Professional Rodeo Association. It will feature bullriding and dogging, bareback bronco riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, goat tying and various forms of entertainment. Vendors will be on hand to serve food and drinks.
The rodeo is always held on the weekend closest to the Fourth of July. Admission is $8 to $10. Proceeds from the event go to the Old Fort Ruritan.