AHOSKIE – As the weather heats up, so do the activities in Ahoskie.

The town will be site of two major events over the next few weeks.

The second annual Summer Youth Festival is scheduled for Saturday, June 24 at the Atlantic District Fairgrounds, located on Holloman Ave.

In addition to the main attractions n amusement rides, pony rides and a petting zoo n the festival will feature health and safety activities, educational programs and displays, physical fitness, food, games and clowns.

Door prizes, as donated by area merchants, will be awarded every 30 minutes throughout the 10 a.m. n 6 p.m. event.

According to Ahoskie Town Councilman Ronald Gatling, who serves as the chairman of the Youth Festival Planning Committee, this year’s theme is “Promoting Healthy Children and Healthy Communities.”

The tentative schedule includes rides by Brooks Amusements, the “Kenya and Daisy the Clown” show, a petting zoo, pony and buggy rides, fire safety house, a bike rodeo by the Ahoskie Police Department, face painting, puppet show, Juggler Jim, Isabelle the Clown, activities provided by the ViQuest Center and Ahoskie Recreation Department and a 21-foot “Smokey the Bear” courtesy of the North Carolina Forest Service.

Local mascots “The Pig” (Piggly Wiggly), “Goldie” (Golden Skillet), “McGruff” (Ahoskie Police Department) and the Hertford County High School “Bear” will roam the grounds to interact with the young and the young at heart.

One of the main events is the Green Beret Parachute Team who will leap from a plane high above the fairgrounds and then put on a dazzling display of colors as they plummet towards earth.

Admission is free for ages 12 and under and $2 for those ages 13 and up. There is a $2 fee to park inside the fairgrounds.

For additional information, contact Gatling at 358-1071 or 209-5458.

On July 4th, the town will host its annual fireworks display at Hertford County High School. The dazzling pyrotechnics display will begin at dark.

In addition, the Ahoskie Jaycees and Ahoskie Junior Women’s Club will sponsor a July 4th Lawn Party at the parking lot area near the HCHS football field and tennis courts. That event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

Featured will be food, beverages, a DJ, games for the kids and Glow Sticks. Everyone is encouraged to bring a blanket or their lawn chairs and come out to enjoy some pre-fireworks fun.

Proceeds from the lawn party will be used towards the Friday evening event for Ahoskie Heritage Day in October.