Since this great American holiday falls on a Friday this year, it pays to plan ahead! Although there are some wonderful events taking place on the island to celebrate the fourth, there are also some pretty awesome events going on across the bridge and beyond! So, get your picnic/cookout supplies ready and don’t forget that sunscreen. Here’s a look at what’s on tap:
Thursday July 3rd
Here along Wrightsville Beach, easing into a long weekend will be a breeze with two low-key activities. At 6:30 pm, you can head to the park for WECT TV’s Sounds of Summer Concert Series, and rock out with the band, The Fury. Bring a picnic and folding chairs for this free evening of music.
Meanwhile, over at the Blockade Runner Beach Resort, those looking for an active way to get the fourth underway will want to check out the Sunset SUP Series. The series takes place every Thursday and includes a 10-minute standup paddleboard lesson. Paddlers will take a different course each week depending on the current weather conditions. For details, please call the resort at: 910.256.2251.
And elsewhere…on the 3rd
- Junior Naturalist Program at Halyburton Park – 4099 S. 17th Street-Strolls along the strand will be much more meaningful for the kids after attending the park’s Shelling the Shores program. For children 5 to 11, participants will learn how to identify different local seashells, plus take a few home. It begins at 1:30 and ends at 3 pm. There is a $10 fee and pre-registration is a must. Here’s the website and phone number: info(at)halyburtonpark(dotted)com – 910.341.0075
- Cameron Art Museum – 3201 S. 17th Street-Summertime is perfect for an al fresco combo of art and music! The museum’s Music in the Courtyard is set for 6:30-8 pm and features the Root Soul Project. Made up of several very talented musicians, the group plays a blend of blues, hip-hop, reggae, and jazz. Admission ranges from $5-$7-Call for details: 910.395.5999 or check the website.
- Carolina Beach Boardwalk – Cape Fear Blvd. Carolina Beach -Get the 4th of July party warmed up early with Fireworks by the Sea and Live Music. The festivities start at 6:30 pm with live music from Massive Grass and Southern Trouble. When the sun goes down, it’s time to get ready for the fireworks! For directions and more information regarding this free event, just call: 910.458.8434.
- Legion Stadium – 2221 Carolina Beach Road-Did watching all that World Cup action leave you wanting more? You are in luck, because there will be a pro match between our home team the Wilmington Hammerheads and the Orlando Lions! Be sure and don the team colors-blue and white, before heading to the stadium for the 7:30 pm match! Admission ranges between $8 to $12. Call 910.777.2111 for more info or purchase tickets online here.
And here are a few area special events for Friday July 4th:
- Buck Hardee Field – Legion Sports Complex – 2149 Carolina Beach Rd.-What a way to get the 4th started! Is there any sport more American than baseball? Exactly! The Sharks will go head to head against the Edenton Steamers in this Coastal Plain League game. Tickets are between $5 and $8-children under 6 get in for free. Please use this website for details and directions: http://wilmingtonsharks.com/. First pitch is at 7:05 -There may even be time to take in a few innings and the head downtown for the…
- Wilmington 4th of July Celebration – Get downtown early to beat the crowds. Along with awesome live music from the 440th Army Band, food vendors, and the chance to see a beautiful sunset, the best fireworks show of the year begins at 9 pm. Avoid hassles and headaches by reviewing traffic info here: http://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/community_services/events_permits/special_events/4th_of_july
But wait! There’s more:
On Friday, the 4th, there will also be live music at Mayfaire Towne Center and Airlie Gardens. Get the scoop by using these links:
http://www.wilmingtonnc.com/music-town-summer-concert-series-2014/
http://airliegardens.org/events/1663/summer-concert-series-the-imitations/
And if you have never been, perhaps this should be the year to load up the family and head to Southport for the official N.C. 4th of July Festival. Did you know it’s been going strong for over 200 years? Even if you have been, you won’t believe how much the celebration has grown!
Access all of the information you’ll need for an unforgettable 4th in lovely Southport: http://www.nc4thofjuly.com/