Faith Fourth of July Celebration

This event, said to be one of the largest Fourth of July celebrations in North Carolina, has roots in family picnics that began when the town was incorporated in 1903. Today the mile-and-a-half parade draws about 30,000 people, but the Faith Fourth still offers an old-fashioned good time with a sack race, a three-legged race, a piggy-back race, an egg toss, and a watermelon-eating contest. Carnival rides are available that day and the week before. Volunteers prepare 7,000 hamburgers, 5,000 hot dogs, and 4,500 pounds of pork barbecue. The day culminates in a spectacular fireworks display. Many former residents return for a reunion with family and friends. Four sponsoring civic organizations use the proceeds for scholarships, local school and library needs, park improvements, and other community needs.

Project documentation consists of a four-page report.

Originally submitted by: Melvin L. Watt, Representative (12th District).

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