From Staff Reports 

Following the COVID-19 pandemic that prompted its 2020 celebration to go virtual, the City of Asheville announced on June 7 that it will celebrate a scaled-back Independence Day this year with fireworks, beginning at 9:30 p.m. July 4 in downtown Asheville.

“However, for this year, there will be no accompanying festival activities,” the city noted in a press release.

“While there will be no food or drink vendors at the park, people are welcome to bring their own picnic or order take-out from a favorite restaurant.

“There will be portable bathrooms, water bottle filling stations and first aid available in the Pack Square Park area. 

“No tents or cooking will be allowed and, as per parks policy, no alcoholic beverages. Dogs should be leashed, but please be aware that fireworks frighten many dogs, so for this reason please consider leaving your pet at home.

“We expect that the Splasheville splash play fountain for children will be repaired and reopened by then.

“DJ Nex Millen will supply music on the Pack Square Park stage from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., before the fireworks display at approximately 9:30 p.m.,” the release concluded.