Montreat celebrates Fourth of July with patriotic parade

Summer tradition celebrates ‘Shining Stars of Public Service’ in 54th year

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
July 4, 2023

The streets of Montreat were filled with red, white and blue, July 4, as an annual summer tradition returned to the Swannanoa Valley for its 54th year. 

The Fourth of July Parade, hosted by the Montreat Conference Center, celebrated the Shining Stars of Public Service. 

Led by grand marshals John Casper, a retired NASA astronaut, and Montreat Town Clerk Angie Murphy, the procession began at the intersection of Appalachian Way and Lookout Road. Hundreds of spectators lined the streets as participants passed in decorated vehicles or on foot. 

Montreat Mayor Tim Helms, the Montreat Police Department and the Black Mountain Fire Department were among the public servants featured in the parade, which also included appearances by Boy Scout Troop 50, which opened the event with a flag raising ceremony with the Montreat Scottish Pipes & Drums band.

Youth clubs and longtime conferees marched along the route, which followed Lookout Road and part of Assembly Drive.

The parade marked the culmination of a full day of Fourth of July activities in Montreat, which will host the Big Circle Mountain Dance at the Cornwell Tennis Courts from 7:30-10 p.m.

Photos of the 2023 Montreat Fourth of July Parade can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.