Macie Greene
Mg8797@mhslive.net
Mitchell County has an abundance of celebrations for Independence Day.
On Thursday — the Fourth of July — Bakersville is holding its very own firework show, and on the sixth Spruce Pine is holding theirs, but that’s not the only festivities going on. Adam Wheeler will be selling barbecue at all the shows.
“For the Fourth of July, we are having a special sale of ribs, butts, and briskets which will be delivered to our customers at a specific pickup location,” said Wheeler. Wheeler has been cooking barbecue for the past fifteen years and learned how to cook from his grandpa, Cecil English.
In Spruce Pine the fireworks will begin around 9 p.m. Saturday.
There are many events that the citizens of Mitchell County can participate in to celebrate the country and support local businesses.
Wheeler said that barbecue is a passion project for him.
“It’s in my blood,” said Wheeler. “That’s why I do it, rather than how much money I can make.”
Wheeler has established a customer base over the tri-county area, holding many repeat customers.
“I only cook with real wood, which gives the meat a true smoke flavor,” said Wheeler. “I spend up to 16 hours, depending on the cut of meat, to perfect the cooking process. I have found that time equals love and that you can taste it in the final product.”
Wheeler loves what he does and takes a lot of pride in his family tradition.
“There’s a real sense of pride when you see someone take that first bit of brisket and their face lights up,” said Wheeler.
Not only will there be barbecue and fireworks but on July 6 the town of “Bakersville will be hosting a town-wide yard sale,” said Bakersville Town Clerk Kelli Beam. The yard sale will go until noon with booths set up downtown.