May 28, 2024
Lake Junaluska’s Independence Day Celebrations will be full of family-friendly fun with fireworks, floating lanterns, a parade, family square dance and concerts including a night of bluegrass with Balsam Range. Christian musician Jason Crabb and comedian Mickey Bell, plus special guest Poet Voices, will also perform.
Many events are free, including the fireworks show on Wednesday, July 3, and lodging is still available at Lake Junaluska’s hotels for guests who want to spend the entire holiday weekend at the lake relaxing and enjoying the festivities.
“There’s no better place to celebrate Independence Day than at Lake Junaluska. The energy here is wonderful,” said Mike Huber, Lake Junaluska general manager. “We have so much going on with concerts, a parade, picnic, flotilla and of course a great fireworks display, plus our round robin tennis tournament and a closest-to-the-pin golf tournament. It’s a great place for grandparents and grandchildren to spend time together.”
The celebration begins with a concert by Balsam Range at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 2, at beautiful Stuart Auditorium. Then on Wednesday, July 3, enjoy the Jason Crabb concert with comedian Mickey Ball at 6 p.m. at Stuart Auditorium, followed by the mountain lake fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Concert tickets are now on sale!
On Thursday, July 4, the parade along North Lakeshore Drive begins at 11 a.m. and is followed immediately from noon-2 p.m. by the Picnic & Family Fun on the Fourth cookout and square dance, with music by Whitewater Bluegrass, at Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym. Voices in the Laurel will kickoff the event at noon with a singing of the national anthem. At 7 p.m., at the Lakeside White Tent, the Rev. Ashley Calhoun will read the Declaration of Independence, and the Singing Soldiers will perform.
The free Blue Ridge Big Band Concert will be at 7 p.m. Friday, July 5, at the White Lakeside Tent followed by the beautiful Floating Lanterns on the Lake event at 8:45 p.m., where staff and volunteers will place biodegradable lanterns on the water in honor and memory of loved ones. Visit lakejunaluska.com/lanterns to learn more about how to have a loved one’s name placed on a lantern.
Lake Junaluska’s Independence Day Celebrations is made possible with support from Visit NC Smokies and Friends of the Lake sponsors, including our Partnership Level Sponsor, Haywood Regional Medical Center, and our Patron Level Sponsors, Smoky Mountain News, Clark & Leatherwood, Inc, Maple Tree Veterinary Hospital and RCF Construction, Inc.
To learn more about Independence Day Celebrations at Lake Junaluska, book an Independence Day Celebrations Lodging Package or purchase concert tickets, visit lakejunaluska.com/july4.
