How to Spend the Fourth of July in North Carolina

North Carolina has been celebrating Independence Day in grand style for over two centuries. From the official North Carolina Fourth of July Celebration at Southport to backyard picnics, there are lots of ways to spend the Fourth of July in North Carolina. Follow these steps to find out how.

Instructions

1. Attend the official North Carolina Fourth of July Celebration in Southport. It's four full days of fun, sun and activities, culminating in an enormous fireworks display on the night of the Fourth. The Southport festival attracts close to 60,000 people a year. It has been North Carolina's official celebration since 1972.

2. Attend a Fourth of July parade and party. Raleigh, Chapel Hill and a number of other North Carolina cities host free parties with refreshments, activities and fireworks.

3. Watch the fireworks over the USS North Carolina in Wilmington. Battleship Cove features an annual fireworks display over the battleship.

4. Put your pet on parade at the annual Pet Parade held each year on the Fourth of July in Pinehurst.

5. Throw your own Fourth of July party at home. After dark, light sparklers and snakes to help celebrate.

6. Check your local newspaper to find fireworks displays in your area and attend with your family.

Tips & Warnings

• Never allow children to play with fireworks. Even sparklers can cause serious injury.