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4th Of July Festival

In 1957 Southport became the official home of the North Carolina Fourth of July festival; and for over 200 years this small maritime community nestled at the mouth of the 202 mile long Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, has celebrated our nation’s independence in a vast way. From colonial times where ships anchored in the Cape Fear River would shoot off canons in tribute to our nation’s freedom; today’s festival brings nearly 40 to 50 thousand people from all over the world to the city of Southport in order to enjoy and participate in this old-fashioned, small town celebration.

The four to five day festival features a variety of events beginning on the 31st of June. On this day past festivals have began with “Beach Day.” Beach Day usually takes place at Middleton Park soccer field and the beach front Cabana. Beach Day consists of things such as karaoke, youth activities, Brunswick County Tennis Associations Tennis Challenge, volleyball, sand creations and the annual surf competition held at the Cabana. Beach day also has activities late in the afternoon such as the Shag competition and Beach entertainment. Beach Day ends with the Oak Island Anniversary fireworks that are held at the Ocean Crest Pier.

July 1st begins with the national 4th of July art show at the Franklin Square Gallery; followed by arts & crafts in the Franklin Square Park. This day holds a few very important events such as the US Coast Guard Cutter tours at the Southport Pier, 82nd Airborne Division’s All American Chorus on the Garrison Lawn, Veterans Recognition event held at the Southport Community Building and the Community Worship Service at the Southport Presbyterian Church. July 1st is also the first day that the following things will be open in Downtown Southport; Food Concessions, American Red Cross Water station and the Blood Mobile.

July 2nd starts off with the Children’s entertainment at Keziah Park which includes things such as children’s karaoke, dance lessons, clowns, balloon sculptures, face paintings, children’s crafts, storytelling, kid’s clinic and a special visit by Uncle Sam. This day also has events such as Old Jail Tours at the Smithville Burial Grounds, Waterfront stage entertainment and the Sea Notes Choral Concert. July 2nd usually holds the Naturalization Ceremony and the Brunswick Concert Band both on the Garrison Lawn in the late afternoon.

As we get closer to the grand finale on the 4th of July; July 3rd holds many interesting events such as Queen Anne’s Revenge Traveling Exhibit at the Maritime Museum, Flag Retirement Ceremony, 2 sets of Waterfront Stage entertainment, Old Jail tours at the Smithville Burial Grounds and many arts & crafts at Franklin Square Park.

July 4th the day everyone has been awaiting holds various activities and special events. The day usually begins with the annual Pancake Breakfast at Trinity Methodist Church. Followed by events such as Old Jail Tours, Flag Raising Ceremony at the corner of Howe and Moore street, 4th of July annual Parade down Moore & Howe Street, arts and crafts, National 4th of July aft show at Franklin Square Gallery, XVIII Airborne Static Display at the waterfront park, Queen Anne’s Revenge Traveling Exhibit at the Maritime Museum in Southport, Ice cream social at the Southport Rescue Squad Building on Nash Street, Waterfront Stage Entertainment, Car Display at the Waterfront, CFYC Decorated Boat Flotilla at Southport Baptist Church, Sea Notes Choral Concert, Associated Artists raffle drawing and the Lions Club boat raffle. After a long day of events and the hot sun the Southport Fourth of July Festival comes to an end at 9:00 while watching a spectacular fireworks display at the Waterfront. The exquisite display of fireworks reveals a burst of symbolic colors of American Stanza circulated by Tribute Organizers: Red, for the blood of many heroes shed; White, for freedom’s light still shining bright; and Blue, for the courage to stand tall and true!

As the evening comes to an end many of the attendants to the Southport 4th of July Festival hurry to there cars hoping not to get stuck in a long line of traffic. This causes many problems being that there are 40 to 50 thousand attendants each year. When leaving the Downtown area after the 4th of July Festival please keep in mind that some of the roads have been blocked for your safety. Some of the most common blocks are listed below.

Directions:
• Right turns only at Jabbertown Road and NC 87/133
• NC 87 and Dosher Cut-Off at Progress Energy, straight ahead and left turns only
• NC 211 and NC 87 (Sawdust Trail), straight ahead or right turns only
• NC 211 and Dosher Cut-Off, straight ahead or right turns only

The county usually has 3-5 electrical information signs placed at key locations in hopes of helping direct drivers to there destinations. The Annual 4th of July Festival is a big event in Southport, North Carolina. Many people are traveling from around the world to participate and enjoy this event. Remember to stay safe during your travels and we hope to see there in the upcoming year!

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