ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County’s annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration is getting a new home this year, and organizers say the move from Lake Julian to North Buncombe High School won’t just preserve the county’s biggest fireworks show — it could make it even better.
For years, thousands of residents gathered at Lake Julian Park for the county’s Independence Day celebration. But according to fireworks contractor Jim Wright, of PyroWright LLC, construction near the lake limited access to the traditional launch site, forcing organizers to find a new location.
“We exhausted every option around the lake,” Wright said. “We worked with the county and looked at a lot of different sites before settling on North Buncombe. It was the place that gave us enough room to put on a show that’s equal to — and actually bigger than — what people have seen before.”
The venue at North Buncombe High School and North Buncombe Fields in Weaverville offers more space for spectators, parking and event activities. Organizers say the larger footprint also allows fireworks crews to design a more dynamic show.
Unlike Lake Julian, where distance limited some effects, the new location allows pyrotechnicians to safely position fireworks closer to the audience.
“People are going to get two shows in one,” Wright said. “We’ll still have the large aerial shells everyone expects, but we’ll also be able to do low-level effects closer to the crowd. It’s going to be faster-paced and have more variety.”
Wright compared some of the lower-level effects to what spectators might see during professional stadium fireworks displays, creating a more immersive experience while maintaining the traditional high-altitude bursts that have become a Fourth of July staple.
The fireworks display will remain about 20 minutes long, but Wright said crews are packing more effects into the same timeframe.
“We’re putting more in,” he said. “It’s going to be Buncombe County’s biggest show to date.”
He said crews are also planning several new visual designs that have never been used in county shows.
Beyond the fireworks themselves, organizers say the new location offers several practical advantages for attendees.
Parking will be free at North Buncombe High School, and accessible parking and viewing areas will allow some guests with mobility challenges a better place from which to view the fireworks. The nearby county pool will also be open during the day as part of the celebration.
The event begins at 5 p.m. July 4 and will feature live music from the Fuzzy Peppers and Mission Accomplished, food trucks, face painting and family-friendly activities. Fireworks are scheduled to begin around 9:15 p.m.
Wright said one of the biggest challenges has been making sure residents understand the celebration is moving this year.
“We’re trying to get people to understand it’s not at Lake Julian anymore,” he said. “But once they get there, I think they’re going to see why this location works so well.”
County officials hope the combination of more space, easier access and an enhanced fireworks program will make the new venue a hit with families celebrating America’s 250th birthday.