The Fourth of July is Independence Day!

The Governor called on communities to commemorate Declaration of Independence by participating in national bell ringing ceremony

July 4, 2007

WAKE COUNTY NC NEWS -- Yesterday, Governor Mike Easley declared North Carolina will continue the 231-year tradition of celebrating our nation's Independence this Fourth of July. Special events will be held across the state observing this most precious holiday. The governor has also called on local communities to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by participating in the national bell ringing ceremony at 2:00 p.m. eastern daylight time.

Governor Mike Easley said: ''North Carolina's communities take pride in observing our nation's independence and the state has been officially commemorating it since the 1780s. Celebrations large and small are held throughout the state and I encourage everyone to enjoy this all-American holiday.''

North Carolina has deep roots in this country's fight for independence, the state holds the prestigious honor to be the first colony to formally call for their delegates to declare independence from Great Britain. Known as the "Halifax Resolves." The resolution, unanimously passed the fourth Provincial Congress meeting in Halifax, North Carolina on April 12, 1776. Marking the first official action in which a colony authorized its delegates to the Continental Congress to vote for independence.

Below are highlights from festivities taking place across North Carolina.

Winston-Salem features a recreation of North Carolina's first official Independence Day celebration, as observed in 1783, with the reading of the Declaration of Independence. Other activities from later years will be represented with Salem Militia forms on Salem Square and fire drills with the bucket brigade.

Greensboro's Fun Fourth Festival is Central North Carolina's largest celebration with an estimated 100,000 people. The event features a street festival in the downtown cultural district with seven stages of live music, food, arts & crafts and family fun for all. Fireworks start at 8:30 p.m. at Jamison Stadium.

Fourth of July Fireworks in Halifax with a rendition of the 4th Provincial Congress meeting in Halifax County in April 1776, celebrated through the outdoor drama First for Freedom, which will be performed on the steps of the new Halifax County Courthouse. The show will be performed for free on July Fourth at 7 p.m. followed by fireworks. Family activities begin 4:30 p.m. with a rock climbing wall and inflatable games.

A Fireworks Extravaganza at Blowing Rock. Tweetsie Railroad will host Blowing Rock's annual Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza once again in 2007 – the park's 50th anniversary season. The celebration honors our country's independence with festivities including evening entertainment and the High Country's most spectacular fireworks show. July 4th also marks a significant day in Tweetsie's history as the park opened its gates to the public exactly fifty years ago, on July 4th, 1957. More than 200 large-caliber pyrotechnic mortal shells will light up the sky, dazzle guests and be a triumphant celebration of America's birthday. The park will remain open until 9 p.m. for this special event.

Crystal Coast Fourth of July Fireworks & Concerts. The Fourth of July is celebrated on the Crystal Coast with concerts and fireworks. Evening concerts invite picnics on the beach in Atlantic Beach and dancing on the waterfront in Morehead City. Fireworks are scheduled at 9 p.m. in Atlantic Beach, Morehead City and Emerald Isle.

Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department in collaboration with the N.C. State Fairgrounds presents the Fourth of July Celebration at the N.C. State Fairgrounds This free event features carnival games, rides, inflatables, displays for the whole family and live music. Gates open at 2:30 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. Guests can stay after the fireworks until 10:30 p.m. for a musical show featuring the music of Mighty Lester.

The Town of Columbus hosts its 35th annual Fabulous Fourth celebration in downtown from 10 a.m. to midnight on July 4th. Admission is free and activities include amusement rides, craft vendors, food and drinks, huge fireworks displays, recreational competitions, and music. Events include a greased pole climb, horseshoe tournament and volleyball tournament.

Southport's North Carolina Fourth of July Festival celebrating our nation's independence for more than 200 years, the City of Southport has been designated the official N.C. Fourth of July Festival. The event includes a parade, 5K road race, more than 100 arts and craft vendors, a naturalization ceremony, beach events, entertainment, regatta, children events and a flag retirement ceremony. The celebration has grown from colonial times when ships at anchor in the harbor fired their cannons to today's festival, where 40,000 to 50,000 people are expected.

The City of Wilmington presents the Fourth of July Riverfront Celebration featuring the Battleship Blast. The Blast features one of the largest choreographed fireworks displays in the state exploding over the Battleship North Carolina at 9:05 p.m. From 5 to 10 p.m. bands will entertain the crowd in Riverfront Park.

65th Belhaven Annual Fourth of July Parade and Celebration. This annual event is one of the largest in the Eastern U.S., and one of the oldest in the state. The celebration includes a Little Miss Independence contest, lawnmower pull, lucky duck regatta, parade, arts and crafts and fireworks.

Brevard Fourth of July Downtown annual celebration features bands at the gazebo, craft and car shows and a 5K Firecracker run. Events include a children's bicycle parade, all-star pet show and traditional reading of the Declaration of Independence. The fun-filled day ends with a fireworks.

Governor Easley encouraged visitors and residents in North Carolina alike to be safe during the holiday adding, ''I am reminding everyone to buckle up, take frequent breaks when driving long distances and to observe appropriate safety precautions around barbecue grills and fireworks.''

To find Independence Day events taking place in Wake County or your North Carolina County please visit www.visitnc.com

Published by:
Rob Cross
mailto:editor@357news.com

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