While most Americans celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, the Museum of Appalachia marks the occasion with an old- fashioned “anvil shoot.” Every 4th of July, the Museum uses gunpowder to launch a 200-pound anvil hundreds of feet into the air! Anvil shoots were once a common way for pioneers to commemorate holidays, elections, and other special occasions.

The anvil shoot is the centerpiece of an all-day celebration that includes a national bell-ringing ceremony, flag procession, live music, southern food, demonstrations from blacksmiths, beekeepers, dulcimer makers, spinners, weavers, rail splitters, and more.

Anvil shoots will occur at various times throughout the day.

Tickets will are available for purchase at museumofappalachia.org.