Saturday, July 4, Montreat Conference Center will once again host its annual Fourth of July celebration. “Traditionally, the Fourth of July at Montreat has been a homecoming holiday that brings extended Montreat families together from all over the country,” said conference center president Pete Peery. “Over the past several years, however, as people have taken a renewed interest in vintage celebrations that truly capture the essence of American life, it has really grown in popularity throughout the area.”A parade beginning at 10:30 AM will launch this year’s theme, “Our Heritage, Past and Future,” and will be headed by Grand Marshalls Pat and Bob Tuttle. The Tuttles spent their first summer at Montreat in 1972 as a couple engaged to be married. Pat was a member of the ministry team for the summer staff and Bob was a senior high “Clubs” supervisor. Bob is now Vice President, the Center for Youth and Young Adult Ministry, at the conference center, and Pat is on the Education department faculty at Warren Wilson College. “Bob and Pat truly embody the spirit of this year’s theme,” said Peery.
Following the flag-raising ceremony at Anderson Auditorium that concludes the parade, the celebration will continue throughout the day with a silent auction at the Currie Craft Center and Sally Jones Pottery; old-fashioned carnival games; a barbecue picnic; and free swimming, boating, and tennis. The festivities will conclude with a 7:00 PM Square Dance under the stars (in The Barn if it rains).
“It’s a day straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting,” said Peery, “and we invite everyone to come early and stay late for all the fun.”
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