Spending the Fourth of July in Montreat is hard to describe to someone who hasn’t experienced it firsthand, but I was told ahead of time that it would be like nothing I had ever seen before. I quickly learned what they meant. This was my first Fourth of July in Montreat, and from the early morning hours to the final dance steps at sunset, the day was packed with joy, laughter, and a deep sense of community that I’ll carry with me long after the summer ends.
The day is full of long-standing traditions that have become staples of the Montreat experience: the parade, old-fashioned games, the annual silent auction at the Currie Craft Center and Sally Jones Pottery, and an unforgettable big circle mountain dance on the tennis courts. For years, these events have drawn Montreaters back each summer, and as a first timer, I was honored to join in on the celebration.
The parade is perhaps the most iconic moment of the day. It winds through the heart of Montreat, led by music, cheers, and decorated floats and banners. Each community and club puts their own creative spin on the year’s theme. This year, the theme was “Montreat Super Strong.” Kids marched in superhero capes, Clubs counselors wore homemade supermarket costumes, and even the family dogs got in on the fun with stars-and-stripes bandanas. But the celebration wasn’t just costumes and candy tossed from floats. One of the most moving parts of the day was the tribute to the “Hurricane Helene Heroes,” honoring those who have been a part of recovery efforts and emergency response in the wake of the storm. The Montreat community holds tightly to its history, its people, and its shared stories.
After the parade, the festivities continued with the beloved old-fashioned games on Moore Center Field. I had heard whispers about these events, but nothing prepared me for the sight of people trying to shimmy up a greasy pole or passionately compete in the hog calling contest. There was laughter and a healthy dose of competition as people of all ages gave their best shot at hula hoop contests and other classic challenges.
As the sun began to set behind the mountains, we made our way to the tennis courts for one final tradition: the Big Circle Mountain Dance. Under the glow of the golden sky, the community joined hands – young kids, summer staff, grandparents, and longtime friends – and danced. The music echoed through the valley, and we danced until our feet hurt, spinning and laughing. It was a beautiful ending to a day filled with joy, tradition, and connection.
My first Fourth of July in Montreat won’t be my last. Now, when people say it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen, I know exactly what they mean.
Kayden Foyles is the marketing assistant at Montreat Conference Center as part of Summer Staff. She is a rising senior at North Carolina State University studying Communication Media.
