The festival is a celebration of the heritage of the mountains through music, crafts, homemade and homegrown items, and Christmas trees. The Ashe County Christmas Tree Association will be showcasing their industry with a look at what makes this area so very special. Christmas tree growers will offer a look inside their world and welcome you back for Choose and Cut Season later this year.
The Christmas tree information and demonstration booth will be located on North Second Avenue close to the Ashe County Farmers Market, another unique feature of the area. Vendors at the farmers market will offer visitors an opportunity to see and buy products grown and made right here at home.
The festival weekend kicks off on Friday, July 4 with music, dancing and food. A special opening ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. at the main stage with West Jefferson Mayor Dale Hudler welcoming everyone to the town. The American Legion will present a color guard accompanied by a local choral singer performing “The Star Spangled Banner.” A visiting Civil War re-enactment group, the 1st Virginia Cavalry, will offer a 21-gun salute.
Music on the main stage Friday night will begin with the popular Buck Haggard Band playing classic country music until 9 p.m. This will be followed by the Grayson Highland Band with old-time music for a street dance where everyone is invited to join in the Virginia Reel and square dancing. Refresh yourselves with food and beverage from the festival vendors who will be set up for the Friday evening activities.
Fireworks for the Fourth of July can be seen Friday evening beginning around 9 p.m. at Ashe County Park on Old Highway 16 on the outskirts of the neighboring town of Jefferson. (See story on page one of today’s edition.)
Christmas in July Festival officially opens on Saturday at 9 a.m. with music, arts and crafts vendors, children’s activities, re-enactors, food and lots of fun. Come one, come all, and find something to treasure in this mountain paradise.
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