From Staff Reports

The Fourth of July will mark the 242nd birthday of the United States — and Western North Carolina communities will be celebrating the occasion with fanfare and fireworks.

Following are Independence Day events in the area in chronological order:

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MONTREAT FOURTH OF JULY PARADE, 10 a.m.-noon, along Assembly Drive, Montreat. The annual Montreat Fourth of July parade will be held.

ASHEVILLE INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION, 2-10 p.m., Pack Square Park, downtown Asheville. As all-day activities, downtown Asheville’s Independence Day celebration will feature ultimate air dogs competitions, Splashville, bouncy houses and kids activities. At 5 p.m., opening musical acts will perform. At 8 p.m., the Larry Keel Experience will perform. At 9:30 p.m., a fireworks show will be ignited. Admission is free.

BLACK MOUNTAIN FOURTH OF JULY GALA, 5:30-9:30 p.m., Sutton Avenue area, downtown Black Mountain. For Independence Day, Black Mountain will feature a street dance with live music from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Food vendors will be on site. Firework will start at dusk behind the former Bi-Lo supermarket.

INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS HIKE, 6-11 p.m., Swannanoa Valley Museum, 223 W. State St., Black Mountain. An Independence Day Fireworks Hike , billed as a 1.5-mile moderate hike to the peak of Sunset Mountain, will be held. Hike leaders will share history and vintage photographs. Participants are encouraged to bring a picnic, water, folding chairs, cameras and flashlights. The museum will provide watermelon and transport cargo to the summit. The fee is $50 for nonmembers and $35 for museum members.

HENDERSONVILLE OUTDOOR CONCERT/PATRIOTIC TRIBUTE/FIREWORKS, 7-9 p.m., Visitors Center, 201 S. Main St., downtown Hendersonville. The beach and golden oldies band Wishful Thinkin’ will perform for the special Fourth of July concert-patriotic tribute-fireworks show in the annual Music on Main concert series. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs and blankets. No backpacks, coolers, alcoholic beverages or pets are allowed. Admission is free.

WEAVERVILLE FOURTH OF JULY GALA, 7-10 p.m., Lake Louise Park, Weaverville. Weaverville’s “Fire on the Lake” Independence Day celebration will feature food, vendors and live music. The fireworks will begin at 10 p.m.