Combine pig, hickory charcoal, and the High Country of North Carolina and what do you get? A 4th of July to remember, at the 47th Roasting of the Hog in Beech Mountain (the highest town in the United States east of the Rockies). The local fire department claims they’ve perfected their seasonings and charcoal blends over the years, to the point that they may just serve the finest barbecue in the High Country. Dinner (they do turkey as well as pork) is served from 6 until 8 p.m. and includes all the fixin’s, tea and lemonade, and even a Moon Pie for dessert!

A Moon Pie with every meal!

A Moon Pie with every meal!

There will be activities for the kids including face painting, music, dancing, a raffle, a silent auction, a bake sale, rides on the ski lift and, when the sun goes down, a grand fireworks display. Tickets are available in advance to what is usually a sell-out event: adults are $15, kids are $7.50. See the website for more information and tickets.