Traditionally a homecoming holiday that brings extended Montreat families together from all over the country, the Fourth of July celebration at Montreat truly captures the essence of American life and has become a popular celebration for everyone in the area. Join us for a parade and a variety of fun events for the whole family! This year’s theme is Let Freedom Ring, and our 2022 parade marshals are Ron and Ann Vinson.
2022 Fourth of July Celebration
Let Freedom Ring!
July 4, 2022
Special Events
Event sponsored by Montreat Conference Center
Schedule
This is a tentative schedule. A final schedule will be available in This Week in Montreat the week before the event.
Note that the flag raising has been moved to 10:00 am prior to parade unit formation and the parade. In the event of severe inclement weather, we will post updates about plans for the parade here on our website, as well as on Facebook and Instagram.
Monday, July 4th
7:00 AM | Annual Gate Race 5k, Montreat Gate
9:00 AM–5:00 PM | Montreat Store is Open, Moore Center Building
10:00 AM | Flag Raising & Star-Spangled Banner, Anderson Auditorium Lawn
10:00 AM | Parade Units in Formation, Geneva Place at Appalachian Way
10:30 AM | Fourth of July Parade
11:00 AM–3:00 PM | Montreat College Book Sale, L. Nelson Bell Library
2:00–4:00 PM | Ice Cream Social and Open House, William Black Lodge
2:00–5:00 PM | Silent Auction at the Craft Shop
2:00–5:00 PM | Free Pool, Boats, and Tennis
2:00–3:00 PM | Lawn Games on Anderson Auditorium Lawn
2:00 PM | Old-Timers’ Softball Game, Welch Field (unconfirmed - tentative)
3:00–5:00 PM | Old-fashioned Games on Moore Center Field/Pops at the Games (2:30 until)
7:00-9:30 PM | Fourth of July Big Circle Mountain Dance, Cornwell Tennis Courts
Parade Participation
If you would like to participate in the parade, please download the 2022 July 4th parade application or pick up a copy at Anderson Auditorium, the Post Office, or the Montreat Store and turn it in to the Montreat Store or email it to janeb@montreat.org. Applications are due by June 25th.
Please ensure that all parade entries maintain the spirit of this event. Parade participants will assemble on Geneva Place at Appalachian Way. The flag raising will take place on the Anderson Auditorium field at 10:00 am. Parade units are to be in place no later than 10:00 am. The parade starts at 10:30 am. Use all of your imagination and creativity to help us celebrate Montreat’s rich heritage!
The 2022 parade theme is Let Freedom Ring.
The Montreat Fourth of July Parade is sponsored by Montreat Conference Center.
Afternoon Activities
Silent Auction
Sally Jones Pottery & Wilbur Hoke Currie Craft Center will host their annual silent auction, 2:00-5:00 pm on Monday, July 4th!The auction features beautiful handmade items such as jewelry, fused glass, quilts, paintings, and beautiful pottery made by our staff, our visiting potters, artists in residence, and local artisans. We will be offering clay demonstrations as well!
COVID summer 2020 taught us much, and "Buy it Now" with a tiered pricing bid sheet was well received at our 2021 auction. The bid sheet will have three time slot bidding lines. The 2 pm line will be priced higher than the 3 pm or 4 pm lines and you decide to "Buy it Now" or wait and see if it's still available when you come back.
The auction supports the continuing ministry at Sally Jones Pottery & Wilbur Hoke Currie Craft Center at Montreat Conference Center. Look for the table with donation and endowment information, including the newest endowment, The Marilyn Jones Endowment.
Afternoon Games
Montreat Conference Center staff will organize a few games on Anderson Lawn and Moore Center Field beginning at 2:00 pm. The greasy pole, hog call, and a few others will be returning. The swimming pool, tennis courts, paddle boats, and canoes will also be open to the public. And don't forget to visit the Montreat Store (open 9:00 am-5:00 pm) in the Moore Center Building for snacks, t-shirts, and souvenirs!
Pops at the Games
Moving Pops in the Park to Pops at the Games was so successful last year that we are doing it again! Members of the development office and President's Council will be handing out popsicles at the Fourth of July Games on Moore and Anderson fields from 2:30pm until they are gone. Look for us with the coolers and stop by for your complimentary pop!
These afternoon games and activities are sponsored by Montreat Conference Center.
Big Circle Mountain Dance
The Fourth of July dance will be held Monday, July 4, from 7:00-9:30 pm on the Cornwell Tennis Courts. All are welcome and admission is free. No experience necessary!
The Fourth of July dance is sponsored by Montreat Conference Center.