The N.C. Fourth of July Festival in Southport finishes today with a slew of activities, events and attractions befitting the historic, riverside city.
The festival parade begins at 11 a.m., following a route that starts on East Moore Street and turns onto North Howe Street. But several events set the tone for the parade, starting with the annual pancake breakfast at Trinity United Methodist Church. The breakfast lasts 7 to 10:30.
Arts and craft vendors fill Franklin Square Park starting at 10, and a flag-raising ceremony precedes the parade at 10:30 at the intersection of Moore and Howe streets.
Food concessions will be available on South Howe Street starting at 10, and a classic car show is held on Bay Street from 11 to 4 p.m. Keep an eye out for the Cape Fear Yacht Club Commodore’s Regatta, which will dot the Southport waterfront with sails after the race’s start at 2.
The day continues with tours of the Old City Jail and historic Chapel of the Cross at St. Phillip’s Church, a summer members’ art show at Franklin Square Gallery, and—new this year—pro wrestling on the Fort Johnston Garrison lawn from 3 to 5.
Live entertainment on the main stage includes Rodney Dane and the Runaway Train from 1 to 3, Sgt. Rock from 3:30 to 4:40, and the Mark Roberts Band from 6 to 9.
The Southport Lions Club boat raffle drawing takes place at Waterfront Park at 9, followed by this year’s fireworks show off the Southport waterfront.
A complete schedule of events can be viewed on the festival’s website, nc4thofjuly.com, which also includes area information, descriptions of events and other festival details.
Oak Island’s Beach Day fireworks, rescheduled from Monday, will be held Saturday, July 6, at 9 p.m. at Oak Island Pier, weather permitting.
