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As July 4th approaches, people are gearing up to celebrate the annual Independence Day holiday in the Roanoke-Chowan area. Some events will be different than in previous years, while others will proceed as usual.

The town of Ahoskie had to cancel their annual fireworks event planned for Monday. A warehouse explosion in Lenoir County in early June caused one fatality, multiple injuries, and destroyed a number of fireworks which were to be used in several celebrations across eastern North Carolina, to include Ahoskie.

A post on the Town of Ahoskie’s Facebook page stated “we are extremely saddened that we have to cancel this event but it is out of our control.”

Windsor’s annual fireworks event was also affected by the Lenoir County explosion, but Windsor-Bertie Chamber of Commerce Director Lewis Hoggard said they managed to procure more fireworks in time. He acknowledged, however, that the display wouldn’t be to the same level as in previous years.

The Windsor event will be held beginning at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 3 at the Roanoke-Cashie River Center, located at 112 West Water Street. The farmer’s market will be open along with a variety of vendors, including Y’all Eat Yet, Holiday Concessions, Speller’s Enterprises, Bubba’s Roadside Grill, and more.

DJ Mixin’ Mike will provide music from 5-7 p.m. followed by the R.T. Johnson band from 7:15 p.m. until dark.

“Bring a lawn chair or towel to sit on,” Hoggard said, inviting everyone out to Sunday’s event.

The Northampton County Chamber of Commerce will once again host its annual Fourth of July event this year, a tradition which began in 2011. The event will span from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday, July 4 at the Cultural and Wellness Center, located on NC 305 north of Jackson. The fireworks show is scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m.

Pizazz Band will perform, and many vendors will be on the scene providing food and other items to attendees.

No coolers are allowed, and people are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

“This is an event that the Chamber looks forward to each year. It’s for all of our citizens and surrounding counties,” said Northampton Chamber Director Judy Collier.

While the Northampton Chamber is hosting the event, it is also supported by a number of sponsors including Northampton County Local Government, local municipalities, Northampton Tourism Development Authority, Southern Bank, Futrell Pharmacy, CT Barnes, Enviva, Farmer’s Peanut Market, Clements Mechanical, Roanoke Electric Cooperative, Oakley Collier Architects, and Roanoke Porta-Johns.

“The Chamber really appreciates all the support we get within our county,” Collier concluded.

Hertford County’s E911 Department will host a July 4th event as well, though no fireworks will be involved. The family friendly event will be held from 12-4 p.m. on Monday, July 4 at the Hertford County Courthouse, 119 Justice Drive, Winton.

The free event will feature music, vendors, games, food trucks, a bounce house for the kids, and much more.