Red, white and boom!
Published 10:51 am Friday, June 29, 2012
JACKSON – Beach music, fireworks and tasty food.
Independence Day couldn’t be spent any better.
On Wednesday, July 4, Northampton County will host 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular from 5-10:30 p.m. at the Cultural and Wellness Center located on Highway 305 North near Jackson.
The Band of Oz is expected to headline the event with the group’s performance beginning at 7 p.m.
Special guest and Ahoskie resident Mr. Tune (Henry Britt) will entertain the crowd beginning at 5 p.m. The unveiling of football uniforms for the newly merged Northampton County High School will be held at approximately 6 p.m. “Shaggin’ on the Beach” Jay Jenkins will serve as master of ceremonies.
Fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m.
Food (from hotdogs to chicken plates to ice cream) will be available for purchase and there will be inflatable rides for children as well.
According to Judy Collier, executive director of the Northampton County Chamber of Commerce, the event is shaping up to be the biggest the county has seen possibly ever.
“We are thrilled to have the Band of Oz,” she said. “We’ve wanted to get them here for a long time in Northampton County.”
Chamber officials began working on the event last September. They strived and succeeded in making the event free to the public, with the exception of food vendors.
“This is an opportunity for citizens to attend something in their own county,” Collier said. “We hope they come out and support it.”
Collier said last year’s event was rained out. However, the fireworks (set off a few days later on the rain date) were successful and drew an estimated 4,000 spectators.
The Chamber is sponsoring the event along with the Northampton County Tourism Development Authority, all nine of the county’s municipalities, the Northampton Cultural Arts Committee and the Northampton County Board of Commissioners.
Collier urged those who plan to attend to bring lawn chairs. She stressed the event is alcohol-free and coolers will not be allowed.
Collier added a rain date for the fireworks will be July 6 at 9:15 p.m.