This past Saturday, July 4, 2026, marked the 250th birthday of the United States. Across the country patriotic celebrations were at an all-time high, and while temperatures followed suit, Burke County was no exception to the amplified festivities.
All across the county, at almost every hour of the day, freedom rang. The most engaged Burke County patriot may have watched a day play out like this:
Over 100 paraders made their way down Lail Road in Glen Alpine at 10 a.m., kicking off the Burke County America250 celebrations. Organized by Deanna Boone and Alicia Wilson, the parade was bigger and better than ever, they said, made up of a patriotic group of trucks, trailers and trolleys, children, chickens and cows.
A start time of 10 a.m. just barely dodged the day’s anticipated temperature high of 100 degrees, meaning crowds were willing to take on the festivities.
Crystal Reed, the town clerk of Glen Alpine, and Ed Phillips, chair of the Burke County America250 Committee, both estimated the parade drew in around 2,000 attendees, almost doubling the town’s past attendance.
“Seeing our community come together dressed in red, white, and blue was truly special,” said Glen Alpine Mayor Kevin Herron. “Everywhere you looked, there were smiles, pride, and a shared love for our country. It was a day to remember.”
“I couldn’t be more proud of how well this event was organized,” he said.
“I think everybody just had a good time,” Phillips said. “Of course, the organizers were stressed a little bit, but it turned out great.”
By 10:45 a.m. the paraders pulled around Davis Street, signifying the processional end, but the festivities were just getting started.
Live music rang through the town of Glen Alpine while attendees ate free watermelon and sampled the food trucks/stands that lined the streets.
Children were gathered to participate in the first annual sidewalk chalk competition, while others decked in red, white, and blue “turkey-trotted” and strutted, looking to be crowned the next Ms. Turkey Tail.
A few of the outdoor activities that were planned did face cancellation. The heat was too much to bear. Boone says this didn’t dampen any spirits.
“The positive energy throughout the community was truly rewarding. It is impossible to give an exact number, especially since I was at the back of the parade lineup,” Boone said. “However, as I made my way through the route, I was blown away. I have never seen that many spectators out there before. The turnout was absolutely massive.”
“Moving forward, we are already looking at adjustments for next year, such as scheduling these competitions before the parade to keep everyone safe and comfortable,” she said.
As local temperatures climbed towards 100 degrees, festivities focused on the Historic Burke County Courthouse lawn in Morganton as part of the America 250 celebrations. Organizers started planning the event in March.
“This was a combined effort of a small group,” said organizer Chuck Parris. “Our goal was to remind citizens of the sacrifices of the many. Jeff Morse, with Foundation Forward, and Dr. Tom Lesser, president of SAR, were very instrumental in the organization and production of the program.”
Burke County Sheriff Banks Hinceman organized a Color Guard presentation.
At 1 p.m., with summertime temperatures climbing fast, N.C. Sen. Warren Daniel welcomed attendees to the Charters of Freedom celebration on the Historic Burke County Courthouse lawn.
Shortly afterward, the curtains rolled back in the Historic Burke County Courthouse to reveal eight actors in elaborate Revolutionary War period dress. Their voices rang out in patriotic songs from the war, drawing people into the stories they had to tell.
“Tarheel Ladies of the Revolution,” written and directed by Dr. Kelly Taylor, was performed for the first time in public. The readers-theater style play told the stories of seven courageous women, three of whom were Burke County natives, who played a significant role in the successful fight for freedom.
With over 25 people at each of the Saturday showings, and 75 at the Sunday showings, Taylor says the show was a success. Many people came up to her after the show in awe of the county’s history, having a newfound excitement and sense of pride.
“We’re really full of history,” she said, “that was my goal … I wanted to remind people of the women and the everyday people. The war had an effect on everybody.”
Celebrations concluded with firework extravaganzas in Valdese and Morganton.
Allen VanNoppen is the publisher. He may be reached at 828-445-8595 or allen@thepaper.media.
