Triple Treat
Published 11:42 am Saturday, July 2, 2016
Colorful pyrotechnics explode in the Windsor skyline during last year’s fireworks show held in the Bertie County “capital city.” The town will once again stage an Independence Day salute beginning at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 3 at the Roanoke-Cashie River Center. | File Photos by Cal Bryant
Roanoke-Chowan area residents will join their American brethren over this long holiday weekend to celebrate our nation’s 240th birthday.
Local families and friends will join together to enjoy a cook-out, perhaps complete with ice cream along with another summertime favorite – slices of watermelon.
Others may prefer to spend their time on the water, enjoying aquatic sports or just a leisurely ride along the beautiful rivers and lakes that dot the regional landscape.
But if you are really seeking a traditional way to celebrate our nation’s independence and freedom, then there are three events to choose from, each featuring food, live music and, of course, plenty of spectacular fireworks.
Those looking to get a head start on the Independence Day festivities are invited to “Freedom Fireworks” in Windsor. This annual event is always held on July 3 and this year is no exception.
Steve Owens and his Summertime Band promise to get the crowd on its feet when they perform at the annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular, slated for 5-10 p.m. on Monday at the Northampton Cultural and Wellness Center near Jackson.
It begins at 4 p.m. at the Roanoke Cashie River Center, located off US 17 Business.
Sponsored jointly by the Town of Windsor and the Windsor-Bertie Chamber of Commerce, the event features vendors, music, and food. The bands are “7100” and “Cuz’n Kirk and his Blues Band.” Fireworks will begin at dusk.
Local radio station The Bull 99.3 will be broadcasting live from 4-6 p.m.
“We are going to roll out the red carpet and welcome everyone to our great little town,” said Windsor Mayor Jimmy Hoggard. “We’ve been hosting this event for about 20 years and it has grown into one of the best in our area. I truly believe our fireworks display is second to none, and we’ve got plenty of vendors to suit almost every taste.
“Please come out and join us on Sunday and enjoy the food, the music, and the fireworks, and most of all enjoy the company of others as we celebrate our nation’s birthday,” Hoggard added.
Two local towns will wait until the arrival of Independence Day to host their patriotic celebrations.
The Town of Ahoskie will host its annual “Sparks of Freedom” celebration from 6-10 p.m. on Monday, July 4 at the Ahoskie Creek Recreational Complex.
The Moonshine Band, complete with its growing legion of fans, will provide the music. Hot dogs, popcorn and soft drinks will be served. The fireworks show begins at 9:15 p.m.
The event is sponsored by the Ahoskie Travel and Tourism Development Authority and Ahoskie Town Council.
The annual “Sparks of Freedom” celebration is from 6-10 p.m. on Monday, July 4 at the Ahoskie Creek Recreational Complex. It features music from the popular Moonshine Band. Two of the group’s original members are shown here – Jimmy Lane (left) and RT Johnson.
“This is a family friendly event that helps bring the surrounding communities together to celebrate our nation’s Independence Day in a fun and safe environment,” stated Ahoskie Town Manager Tony Hammond. “Grab your blankets and chairs, load the kids in the car, and come out to the Ahoskie Creek Recreational Complex for a fun filled evening of activities.”
Hammond added that the event will also feature various activities for children beginning at 6 p.m. Those activities will be coordinated by the Ahoskie Recreation Department.
On Monday in Jackson, the Northampton County Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular from 5-10 p.m. at the Cultural and Wellness Center, located on NC Highway 305 North.
The “Spectacular” fireworks display begins about 9:15.
Judy Collier, executive director of the Chamber, said this event is great family fun.
“Bring a chair or a blanket,” she said, “but leave your cooler at home.”
No alcohol is permitted, but Collier said, “It is going to be a fun time for everyone, food, entertainment, rides and most important the fireworks and fellowship.”
Northampton County local government and the towns of Conway, Gaston, Lasker, Seaboard, Garysburg, Jackson, Rich Square, and Woodland contributed for the fireworks display.
Other sponsors are the Northampton County Tourism Development Authority, Clements Mechanical, Farmer’s Peanut Market, Newsome Oil, NC Dominion Power, Roanoke Valley Savings Bank, Futrell Pharmacy, the Jackson Branch of Southern Bank, Rich Square Health Care Center, and Talmadge Barnes.
Collier said there will be bouncy rides for kids and plenty of room for people to dance
Jay Jenkins of ‘Shaggin’ on the Beach’ radio show will serve as the emcee. Steve Owens & Summertime will provide live music.
Food choices include hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, sausage dogs, Polish sausage, bologna burgers, chicken, fish, shrimp, turkey barbeque, wings, nachos, ice cream, snow cones, and funnel cakes.
Collier also said 4-H will hold a fundraiser for kids’ activities, selling glow-sticks, lolly pops, and lemonade.
Spectacular fireworks, of course, will close out the night.
(Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald Editor Cal Bryant contributed to this story.)
