From parades to fireworks, there is plenty to do in the Swannanoa Valley on Fourth of July

With a parade in the morning, fireworks at night and plenty to do in between, there is no shortage of ways to celebrate the Fourth of July in the Swannanoa Valley. 

The festivities begin at 10:30 a.m. along Lookout Road in Montreat, where the Montreat Conference Center will host its annual Fourth of July parade, a holiday tradition in the community. 

This year's grand marshal will be Montreat College track and field coach Britten Olinger, who will be joined by his wife and two children. Attended annually by thousands, the theme of this year's parade is "American Super Heroes."

Beginning at noon in Black Mountain, Harwood Home for Funerals will host its Harwood Annual July 4th Celebration. The gathering takes place on the front lawn of the business at 208 West State Street and features hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks. It is free and open to the public. 

The Ryan Perry Band will take the stage on the Sutton Avenue at 5:30 p.m. for the Town of Black Mountain's July 4th Street Dance. The free event features dancing, activities for children and food vendors. 

The evening concludes with a fireworks display that begins at dark near the intersection of N.C. 9 and Vance Avenue. The fireworks can be viewed from Town Square and various other locations throughout Black Mountain.