Southport, NC is a small rural area on the outskirts of Wilmington, NC. Only minutes from beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, the town sees enough tourists throughout the three main summer months to leave locals wishing for winter. However, once a year, the town turns the other cheek and welcomes tourists to the North Carolina 4th of July Festival. For more than 200 years, the city of Southport has celebrated the birthday of the United States on a grand scale.
The official website for the North Carolina 4th of July Festival in Southport is a year round website offering information on last year’s fun and next year’s plans. Kid crafts and printouts are available year round, as well. The most important section of the website, however, is the listing of current 4th of July events for the whole family to enjoy.
The North Carolina 4th of July Festival in Southport will run from July 2 to July 4. Some activities are scheduled on the 1st and 5th of July.
Details About the North Carolina 4th of July Festival in Southport
Festival Fireworks – Fireworks are a huge part of any 4th of July celebration. In 2010, Southport will be launching fireworks from a barge on the Intercoastal Waterway. Fireworks are set to be started at 9:00 P.M. on July 5th. One other location to view fireworks in the Southport area is the Oak Island Lighthouse on Caswell Beach Rd.
Main Stage Events – The main stage will be filled with local music, dance, and rock n’ roll.
Acts scheduled to perform on July 3rd include Southport Shuffle (local band), Inspirations Dance Centre, and Hal Davis (70s Rock band). Country Street Dance and Street Dance close out the show between 3:30 P.M. and 10:00 P.M.
The 4th of July starts with Mark Stebnicki, a folk rock artist. Local cover band, Mister Jager, will follow with FOG Band rounding out the afternoon. The evening act on main stage is the USA Express. USA Express is an Army band that covers popular top 40s hits with energy and verve.
On the 5th of July, all acts on main stage lead up to the grand fireworks display at 9:00 P.M. The first act of the day is Jalynn Sneed, four-year-old honorary Princess singing Taylor Swift. Sneed is followed by Jazz artist Rod Roskom and Key Lime Pie. The evening ends with local favorite – Liquid Pleasure.
Fun in the Sun for Family Members of All Ages
The North Carolina 4th of July Festival offers a lot of fun for everyone. The events are spread over five days and include a parade, arts and crafts, four stages of entertainment, concessions, and the grand fireworks.
Traffic Conditions and Safety Concerns
As is the case with any popular 4th of July event, the North Carolina 4th of July Festival will bring increased traffic. Traffic will be slow moving and locals / tourists need to heed the rules of the road and err on the side of patience. It is best to have a full tank of gas and charged air conditioner before attempting to head out to the day’s festivities.
Sun safety is also important. For more information on how to keep yourself and your children safe in the sun read these articles: Summer Sun and Skin Cancer, Infants and Sunscreen and Tips and Tricks for Using Sunscreen.
