As our nation prepares to celebrate is 235th anniversary of its independence, locals are preparing for their fourth of July celebrations as well. Of course you can always have a good old-fashioned cookout in your back yard to celebrate our nation’s birthday, but if you’re looking for a bigger shindig then we’ve got some ideas on where you can go:
Southport, NC
For over 200 years the city of Southport has celebrated our nation’s independence is grand fashion. Over 50,000 people from all over the southern states attend the festival each year.
This year there will be arts and crafts booth, food vendors, a 5k Freedom Run/Walk, a televised parade, the Sea Notes Choral Concert, live entertainment, fireworks, a national art show, children’s games and entertainment, pancake breakfast, sandcastle building contest, horseshoe, volleyball and shag contests.
The festival goes from July 2nd through July 4th, and admission is free.
For more information contact Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce, (800) 457-6964 or email events@southport-oakisland.com
Ocean Isle Beach, NC
The annual fourth of July parade will take place once again beginning at 10am on the 4th. Decorated floats, golf carts and bicycles will be judged and prizes awarded. Make sure you wave as the parade makes its way through Ocean Isle beach. Line up for floats and other participants of the parade must be in Museum parking lot by 9:30.
Calabash, NC
Calabash will hold it’s 4th of July Festival again this year on the Calabash Riverfront. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy live entertainment. There will be live music, food and a dazzling fireworks display in the evening.
For more info, call the Calabash Town Hall at 579-6747
Wilmington, NC
In Grand tradition the Battleship Blast will never cease to amaze its viewers. The Battleship North Carolina is preparing not only for its annual fireworks ceremony this Fourth of July but also its 50th Anniversary. The displays this year are certainly not going to disappoint.
The event will take place along Water Street in downtown Wilmington around 5pm. There will be live music by the Daniel Parish Band. The fireworks display will take place at approximately 9:05pm. If you can’t make it downtown for the actual event live television coverage will begin at 9pm on WECT.