Tweetsie Railroad celebrates America's independence
Theme park will host annual fireworks extravaganza

BLOWING ROCK, N.C. - Tweetsie Railroad will again host its annual 4th of July fireworks extravaganza. An event to remember, the park will honor the country's independence on Wednesday, July 4, with festivities including evening entertainment and the High Country's most spectacular fireworks show.

Visitors can enjoy a memorable day at Tweetsie Railroad theme park and an evening under a beautiful mountain sky as Tweetsie once again lights up the Blue Ridge Mountains. July 4th also marks a significant day in Tweetsie's history as the park opened its gates to the public exactly 50 years ago on July 4, 1957.

More than 200 pyrotechnic mortar shells will light up the sky as a tribute to America's birthday. Due to this special event, the park will remain open until 9 p.m., instead of the normal closing time of 6 p.m. The Tweetsie Railroad wild west train ride adventure will continue into the early evening.

Tweetsie Railroad was a dream of Grover Robbins Jr., who brought the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Engine No. 12 (known as "Tweetsie" to the local residents) back home to the mountains of North Carolina. The original run on that July 4 in 1957 was a one-mile scenic trek that took guests to a picnic area and then backed up to the train station. Fifty years later, visitors are now taken on a scenic and exciting three-mile journey through the mountains.

Parking for July 4 is $5 per vehicle, while Tweetsie's Golden Rail Season Pass holders may park for free. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be on July 5.

The park will be open seven days a week until Aug. 26 and from Aug. 31 through Nov. 4 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, including Labor Day Monday. The park's regular hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Daily admission is $29 for adults and $21 for children ages 3 through 12. Children 2 and under are admitted free. Admission includes a full day of fun at Tweetsie, including the adventure filled wild west train trip, live entertainment, country fair rides and a visit to the Deer Park Zoo.

Tweetsie Railroad is located in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains on U.S. Hwy. 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock. For more information call 1-877-TWEETSIE or visit www.tweetsie.com.