From Staff Reports 

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Downtown Asheville will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding with a block party from noon to 10 p.m. July 4 that will conclude with fireworks around 9:30 p.m.

The gala will be based in downtown’s South Slope — Coxe, Banks and Buxton avenues.

The celebration will feature live music at Asheville Yards, food trucks, a car show, the Ultimate Air Dogs and a large fireworks finalé.

The headliner band at Asheville Yards will be The Empire Strikes Brass, beginning at 7 p.m. 

 Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs and/or blankets. Admission is free.