Jen and Dave had a busy 4th of July Weekend!
The North Carolina 4th of July Festival was an amazing celebration! With so many things to do and so many people in town, Southport and Oak Island were packed. It was definitely worth braving the heat to see everything that Southport and Oak Island had to offer.
Jen and Dave were everywhere! They kicked off the weekend with the welcoming ceremony on the Fort Garrison Lawn which included a reading of The Declaration of Independence from Lee Norris followed by musical entertainment provided by The Southport Firemen’s Chorus and The Coastal Harmonizers. The breeze across the water and the picturesque location made it the perfect way to ease into a busy weekend.
Oak Island’s annual beach day was amazing and exhausting! So many people showed up ready for volleyball, sand castle building, cornhole and bocce that the beach was packed. Unfortunately the cornhole registration was full by the time Jen and Dave got there so they were unable to defend their title as the fastest eliminated team in beach day history. After a bit too much sun they headed off to hear The Carl Newton Review at Middleton Park followed by fireworks on the beach with The Doorsmen playing on the Oak Island Pier. It’s always incredible to see so many people out dancing and enjoying the island!
Sunday was a little more relaxed with some wandering about Southport checking out the food trucks and vendors and of course enjoying the community entertainment playing throughout the city. A new addition to the lineup was Clicks of Confidence. Jen and Dave weren’t sure what to expect but after a quick ride over to Taylor Field, they were pleasantly surprised by some well trained horses doing a few tricks for the crowd. Sunday also included the Flotilla and so much more.
Monday was more food and entertainment as well as stops into a few of the shops that were packed with eager tourists and locals. Before settling on the lawn to hear the Brunswick Big Band, Jen and Dave checked out the military helicopters. (Dave still has no idea how those things work.) The main goal of Monday was to witness the Naturalization Ceremony. It did not disappoint! It was beautiful to watch so many people and their families become citizens in our little town! Julia Roberts presented the final certificates while the crowd cheered. (Not that Julia Roberts, sorry.) Following the ceremony, Jen and Dave cruised around town before returning to the waterfront for the much anticipated street dance. It was absolutely amazing! ReSoul crushed it with their high energy takes on current and classic hits!
Tuesday started with what is now Jen and Dave’s annual tradition of hitting up the pancake breakfast before snagging a prime spot to view the parade. This year they positioned themselves on Moore St. by the judging station. The performances of the parade participants was impressive especially considering the heat. A few more stops around town and more music before taking a break before the fireworks.
Unfortunately Dave did not get to see the fireworks with Jen and Rob as he returned to Southport a little too late to meet up with them but he was able to enjoy them with a few other stragglers. The photos Jen was able to get from the pier are spectacular and as always, the Southport fireworks are the perfect way to end the festivities.
Jen and Dave and TheEventGuide.com are really grateful we got to be part of this amazing tradition.
Jen and Dave are already planning their attack for next year! Though the festival has ended, there is still so much to do this summer. Check out TheEventGuide.com to see all of the fund things going on.
Jen and Dave may need to take a few days off to recuperate!
