Rutherford County to Celebrate America 250 with Countywide Independence Day Events, Fireworks at Lake Imogene

Rutherford County officials have announced a countywide Independence Day celebration culminating in a professionally produced America 250 fireworks spectacular on Saturday, July 4, at Lake Imogene on the campus of Isothermal Community College.

The fireworks display is part of the nationwide commemoration leading up to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Local officials say the event is designed to unite communities across Rutherford County in a shared celebration of the nation's history while highlighting local traditions and partnerships.

The aerial fireworks show will be launched from Lake Imogene and is expected to be visible from multiple locations throughout the area. Designated public viewing locations include Legacy Soccer Park, areas near College Avenue, and other open vantage points surrounding the Isothermal Community College campus.

Officials said spectators at Legacy Soccer Park should use designated viewing areas and parking lots, noting that chairs will not be permitted on active soccer fields. Additional viewing will be available from campus parking areas, former soccer field locations and designated overflow parking.

Isothermal Community College is serving as the host site for the celebration. College President Dr. Margaret Annunziata supported the selection of Lake Imogene as the central location for the county's signature America 250 event.

Officials said the campus represents a gathering place for residents across Rutherford County while reflecting the college's mission of serving the community through education and opportunity. They also noted the school's "Patriot" identity aligns with the spirit of the Independence Day celebration.

The event is the result of a collaborative effort involving Rutherford County Government, the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority and nearly every municipality in the county, including Bostic, Chimney Rock, Ellenboro, Forest City, Lake Lure, Rutherfordton and Spindale.

Explore Forest City is coordinating administrative and fiscal operations for the event, while the American Jet Sport Association (AJSA) is partnering with Isothermal Community College to host watercraft racing and family entertainment throughout the Independence Day weekend. The AJSA Southern Summer Series attracts competitors and spectators from across the Southeast, making the Spindale stop one of only a handful on its 2026 schedule.

Private sponsors helping fund the fireworks production include Trelleborg, Enbridge, Fountain Electric, RHI Legacy Foundation, Rutherford Regional Health System, Duke Energy, and the Broad River Water Authority.

Weekend Schedule

The countywide celebration begins Friday, July 3, with the Forest City Owls Independence Fireworks Night, featuring a postgame fireworks display.

"This is an event that reflects the spirit of our community and the way Forest City comes together each year," Forest City Mayor Steve Holland said. "It also contributes to the broader countywide America 250 observance."

On Saturday morning, July 4, Rutherfordton will unveil the Overmountain Men Memorial Statue at 10 a.m., honoring the Revolutionary War militia whose victory at the Battle of Kings Mountain helped shape the American Revolution.

"The Overmountain Men played a critical role in American independence, and this monument ensures their legacy remains a visible part of our community for generations to come," Rutherfordton Mayor Jimmy Dancy said.

Also on July 4, Ellenboro will host its annual Big Day Independence Day Parade and community celebration.

"This is a long-standing tradition in Ellenboro that reflects the pride and spirit of our community on Independence Day," Mayor Liz Blanton said.

Throughout the day, Lake Imogene will host free American Jet Sport Association racing and family-friendly entertainment before the evening concludes with the county's official America 250 fireworks spectacular.

Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority Director Don Cason said the celebration highlights what can be accomplished through regional partnerships.

"This effort demonstrates what is possible when communities, businesses, and public partners work together with a shared vision," Cason said.

Rutherford County Commission Chairman Bryan King said the celebration represents an unprecedented level of cooperation among local governments.

"This is a unified countywide effort to honor the nation's founding while strengthening the shared identity of Rutherford County," King said.

Officials said the coordinated weekend of events is intended to blend national history with local traditions while marking America's semiquincentennial through a unified celebration involving municipalities, county government, tourism partners, private sponsors and Isothermal Community College.

Additional event information, including updates and viewing details, is available through the America 250 Rutherford County Facebook event page.