As Independence Day rolls around each year, landscapes across the country become decked out in red, white, and blue reminiscent of the United States’ flag. The Roanoke-Chowan area is no exception as it comes together to celebrate America’s birthday too.

Fourth of July celebrations will be held this year in Windsor, Jackson, and Ahoskie.

Windsor’s “Freedom Fireworks” event will be held on Wednesday, July 3 (today) at the Roanoke Cashie River Center which is located at 112 W. Water Street. Vendors will begin setting up around 4 p.m. and people are welcome to arrive anytime after that. Live music from Mr. Tunes and Clint Freeman and Friends, who play R&B songs, will begin at 7 p.m. The fireworks display is scheduled to begin around 9:15 p.m. once the sun has set.

The event will feature a variety of food, craft, and informational vendors. Windsor-Bertie Chamber of Commerce Director Lewis Hoggard said there are a total of about 20 vendors which will be on-site, including the Holy Spirit Catholic Church which will be selling plates for their annual fundraiser. Other foods include waffles, funnel cakes, Italian ice, and much more.

People are asked to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the evening. The event will be held rain or shine.

“We’re excited to have everyone at the Roanoke Cashie River Center as we celebrate our nation’s independence,” Hoggard said, encouraging people to come check out the annual event.

In Northampton County, the 9th annual Fourth of July Celebration will be held from 5-10 p.m. on Thursday, July 4 at the Northampton County Cultural and Wellness Center located at 9536 NC Highway 305 in Jackson. Fireworks by Grand Illusions is scheduled to kickoff at 9:15 p.m.

Music will be provided by the Blackwater Rhythm and Blues Band, and Jay Jenkins will serve as MC for the evening.

Several food and craft vendors will participate in the event. People who come to view the fireworks can also enjoy a wide range of foods including hotdogs, pizza, chicken, fish, ice cream, cotton candy, banana pudding, funnel cakes, fried oreos, pretzels, and much more.

The Fraternal Order of Police will sponsor “Dunk-A-Cop” during the duration of the event. Participants can pay $1 for one ball or $5 for 6 balls for a chance to drop a local law enforcement officer into a tank of water.

“We’re looking forward to the event and hoping for good weather and a good crowd,” said Northampton County Chamber of Commerce Director Judy Collier.

The annual gathering is sponsored in part by the Chamber of Commerce along with Northampton County Tourism and Northampton County Government and Municipalities.

Collier encouraged people to bring their lawn chairs out to the event, and reminded everyone that coolers and smoking are not allowed on the Wellness Center grounds.

“It’ll be good food, good entertainment, and good fellowship,” she said.

The town of Ahoskie will also sponsor a fireworks celebration on July 4. It will be a fireworks-only event with no other activities scheduled.

People eager to see the festive sparks fly can gather at Hertford County High School for the display scheduled to begin at dusk.