Three cheers for the red, white and blue!
We patriotic people of Western Wake are all about celebrating the birthday of America, with events planned in all our area towns, and spanning three days of family fun.
Here’s where and when you’ll find fireworks, food and a whole lot more:
FRIDAY, JULY 3
Cary: The Independence Eve Celebration starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave., and features the Applause! Cary Youth Theatre, the Cary Town Band, scouts and more for a salute to service personnel past and present. townofcary.org
Morrisville: A free fireworks display at Morrisville Community Park, located at 1520 Morrisville Parkway. Chairs, blankets, drinks and snacks are welcome, but no glass containers, coolers or alcohol. Food vendors available. Music begins at 6:30 p.m., and fireworks show at 9:30. For weather updates, call (919) 463-6215. ci.morrisville.nc.us
Fuquay-Varina: The Independence Day Celebration starts at 6 p.m., at South Park, 900 S. Main St. Free rides and inflatables for kids, music acts, food vendors, and fireworks at sundown. Chairs and blankets welcome, but no pets or alcohol. fuquay-varina.org
Garner: Gates open at 5 p.m. for this free Independence Day Celebration at Lake Benson Park, 921 Buffaloe Road. Features performances by the North Carolina Symphony and SOULPLAY band, and Kids Adventure Zone with inflatables, games and crafts. Bring a picnic, or purchase concessions provided by local nonprofits. Top off the evening with fireworks! garnernc.gov
SATURDAY, JULY 4
Cary: The Independence Day Olde Time Celebration takes place from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Bond Park. Events include a fishing tournament at 8 a.m.; Bike, wagon and stroller decorating at 9:30 a.m.; Parade in the Park at 10:30 a.m.; and contests starting at 11 a.m., like doughnut and watermelon eating, lakeside Olympics, watermelon seed spitting, water balloon toss, and sidewalk decorating. Age groups for all events are 5 and under; 6-10; 11-17; and 18 and up.
Then, a Salute to the Red, White & Blue happens at Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, with patriotic performances by the Cary Town Band and the North Carolina Symphony. Rides and games, scavenger hunt, magicians, face painters, watermelon-eating contests and a 50-foot Ferris wheel! Gates open at 3 p.m., music begins at 5:45; lawn seating and most amusements are free. Fireworks cap off the fun. Tarps, blankets, chairs and picnics allowed; no pets, staking or tents. boothamphitheatre.com
Morrisville: Start the day with a pancake breakfast prepared by the Morrisville Fire Department! Held from 8 to 10 a.m., at Fire Station 1, 200 Town Hall Drive, the meal includes pancakes, sausage and orange juice. Call (919) 463-7103 for tickets; prices start at $2. ci.morrisville.nc.us
Apex: Head to Salem Street in downtown Apex for an Old-Fashioned Fourth of July from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., complete with food, music and the Parade of Wheels at noon! Young and old are invited to decorate bikes, trikes, wagons or other non-motorized vehicles in patriotic colors; helmets required. apexnc.org
SUNDAY, JULY 5
Holly Springs: Keep the fun going with the free July 5th Celebration from 5 to 9:30 p.m., at Sugg Farm Park, 2401 Grigsby Ave. Festivities include crafts, cornhole tournament, food vendors, inflatables, music, potato sack races and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. hollyspringsnc.us
Happy birthday, America!
