Ruby Patterson playing the role of Betsy Ross sewing our nation's first flag

Flags, anvil shoots, and music

Three times during the day at Museum of Appalachia, (link...), gunpowder is packed under the anvil and ignited. The anvil bursts from a cloud of smoke, sometimes catapulted as high as the treetops. The earth literally shakes, and the deafening boom, it is said, can be heard as far as 15 miles away. This early form of fireworks has been re-enacted each July 4 for some 17 years at the Museum. At the Museum on July 4, the anvil shoot will take place at 10 a.m., noon, and 3 p.m. Festivities run from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with special music, demonstrations of pioneer skills, patriotic ceremonies, and summertime fare. Ruby Patterson will play the role of Betsy Ross sewing our nation’s first flag.

Sherrie