Montreat Minute for July 2, 2026

July 2, 2026
Red, white, and blue text reads Happy 250th Birthday America! with large fireworks bursting in the background, celebrating a patriotic anniversary.

Here’s what’s happening on the 4th

A poster with red and blue stars and stripes details lists the Montreat Fourth of July Celebration events with times, including a parade, lawn games, ice cream social, silent auction, pops at the park, and fireworks.

Don’t Miss the Gait Race 5K July 4th

A stone archway with the word MONTREAT leads over a two-lane road surrounded by green trees and mountains in the background.

Get ready for the annual Montreat Gait Race 5K! The race begins and ends, of course, at the Montreat gate. The mayor will start the race at 7:00 am, with the runners taking off on Assembly Drive and returning to the gate finish line. The route will be clearly marked.

“We’re excited to have the Montreat Gait 5K again this year”, stated race organizer Matt Ashley. “As usual, this is a ‘no-frills’ race: no medals, no t-shirts, no registration, no fees, no recognition. Just show up for good fellowship, fun, and fitness.”

The Town is grateful to Matt for organizing this highly anticipated event. The race sees about 200 runners taking off at the early hour. It is a great way to start the day and kick off the 4th of July holiday.

Making the Gait Race 5K Happen

A middle-aged man with a beard and short hair smiles slightly, posing indoors in front of a stone fireplace and wood-paneled walls in a cozy, rustic room.

Last week the Montreat Minute featured Fran Aceto, the Chair of the Montreat 4th of July parade. This week, we feature Matt Ashley, organizer of the Annual Montreat Gait Race 5K.

The Gait Race began 23 years ago in 2003. Two years later, Matt was asked to take over its organization, and he has graciously donated his time and expertise ever since. The purpose of the race is families, fellowship, and fitness. It is an opportunity for a bit of relaxation and exercise before the parade. It is a bit different race than other 5K’s. As Matt says, “It’s a unique ‘No’ race—No registration, No T-shirts, No trophies. It’s just a no frills fun time for people to get together!”

A large crowd of people, some with dogs, walk along a tree-lined road at dusk. Many wear bright clothes; emergency vehicle lights flash in the background. White vans and road signs are visible near the gathering.

The first race in 2003 had 53 participants. Now, more than 200 runners show up at the Montreat Gate for the Town sponsored race. Mayor Helms traditionally fires the starting pistol  for the 7:00 am start. Montreat police and Public Works staff control traffic and place directional signs so no one gets lost. “It is a real joint effort,” Matt commented. “It couldn’t be done without everyone working together.”

Why does Matt lead this effort year after year? “It’s a fantastic opportunity to get out early on a day that usually starts later with the parade,” Matt stated. “It is a great family and fellowship opportunity.

Town Council Meeting Thursday, July 9, at 6:00pm

Seal of the Town of Montreat, North Carolina, featuring a stylized archway labeled Montreat, green trees, and the year 1967, surrounded by orange and red rings with the towns name.

The Montreat Town Council will meet for its monthly meeting next Thursday, July 9th, at 6:00 pm in the Town Hall Community Room.The Public Forum precedes the Council Meeting, beginning at 5:30 pm. The meeting will be live streamed. Everyone is invited to attend. The agenda and streaming instructions are available by CLICKING HERE.

Bulk Pickup on Tuesday, July 7th

Household items such as furniture, bins, and a mattress are piled on a curb, along with many black garbage bags, in front of houses and beneath trees on a residential street with a 25 mph speed limit sign.

Remember to place your bulk Items/white goods curbside for pick up on Tuesday, July 7th. This free service is offered twice per year (now and in the fall) at no cost, except for a $15 per-item fee for mattresses/box springs, TVs, and computers.

Acceptable items include furniture, mattresses/box springs, appliances, electronics, carpet, toys, sports equipment, air conditioners, and water heaters. Please, no building materials.

Bear Activity High

A black bear silhouette with the words Keep Bears Wild inside it, and Bear Aware in large green letters above the bear. The background is white with a green hill.

Over the past several weeks, bear activity has been higher than normal. No injuries or extreme incidents have occurred. But Lookout Trail is closed until Monday due to an active bear family on or near the trail. And, as usual, trash containers have been targets for the hungry bears. Therefore, please take the following precautions:

  • When walking/hiking, be “bear aware”.
  • If you spot a bear nearby, DO NOT RUN away. Instead, yell, wave your arms, and act “big”.
  • At home, keep doors and first floor windows closed, especially at night. Bears rip through screens like they aren’t even there. Also, bears are able to get through “doggie doors”, so secure them as well.
  • Remove all food from vehicles and lock them. Montreat had a rash of auto break-ins by bears in the spring, all going after food, including something as small as Tic-Tacs and lip balm.
  • Please secure all trash containers with clasps and locks of some type. The Town Convenience Center is available 7a-7p seven days per week for any overflow refuse.

Montreat Adult Summer Club Summer Speaker John Lafferty on July 8th

Yellow banner with bold letters reads Montreat Adult Summer Club, featuring a sunburst design on the right side.

The Montreat Adult Summer Club will host historian Dr. John Lafferty, on Wednesday, July 8th, in Graham Chapel at 2:30 pm.

An older man wearing colonial-era clothing, including a black tricorn hat, a long blue coat, a tan vest and breeches, white stockings, and black shoes with buckles.

Dr. Lafferty, a life-long student of history, will share about the significant role of the Scots-Irish before and during the revolutionary war. We will hear about John Witherspoon, James Madison, and other reformation heroes and the battles they endured, including the overwhelming victory at Kings Mountain. John will leave us with an appreciation for the importance of this unique group of people on our nation’s founding and guiding principles today.

Refreshments in Gaither Fellowship Hall will follow Dr. Lafferty’s presentation.

Please note the location for this year’s speakers: Graham Chapel in Gaither Hall.

Play Mahjong and Help Beautify the Town Hall on July 12th

A green background with mahjong tiles scattered around the text: Tiles for Town Hall Introduction to Mahjong in bold white and black letters.

The Montreat Town Hall grounds are still not fully recovered from Hurricane Helene. A group of dedicated Montreaters is working to remedy the situation and make it look as beautiful as it was when it opened on July 4, 2020. “Tiles for Town Hall” is a fun fundraiser to do just that. Come learn how to play mahjong, enjoy a light dinner, and enjoy fellowship while benefitting the Town Hall.

The event will be held July 12th at Que Sera restaurant, 101 Black Mountain Avenue. Registration begins at 5:00 pm, then a light supper at 5:45. Instruction and play begins at 6:30, with the night capping off with a raffle at 8:00. Cost is $30. Please call 828/664-9472 to reserve your spot.

Updates and Reminders

A hand writes the word REMINDERS in black marker, underlining it in red on a white background.
  • The Montreat Town offices will be closed tomorrow, Friday, July 3rd in commemoration of the 4th of July. Trash pickup will occur on Monday as usual.
  • Mark your calendar for the Presbyterian Heritage Center Ice Cream Social on Saturday, July 18th, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on the lawn in front of the PHC.
  • If you are in Montreat this summer and don’t already have a 2024 Montreat Directory, they are on sale at the Town Hall for $25 (cash or check).
  • Do you receive your own copy of the Montreat Minute or know someone who doesn’t? Sign up for the Sunshine List to receive the Montreat Minute and stay “in the know” about the Town’s happenings. CLICK HERE to sign up for the list!
  • Do you receive Montreat Code Redalerts, an emergency communications system used a number of times during the hurricane and wildfires? To learn more about Code Red or to be added to the list, CLICK HERE.

Questions or Comments?

Do you have Town-related questions or comments to offer? If so, please send them to Angela Murphy at info@townofmontreat.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Have a fun and safe 4th!

A blue hat with white stars and red and white stripes, flanked by two American flags on poles, with blue stars surrounding the hat.

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