In just a week, people across the country will commemorate our nation’s independence with all the trappings of summer -- from cook outs to festivals.
People in Sanford, Broadway, and Lee County don’t have to look far for fun options for celebrating Independence Day. with their families. Make sure you shop at
our local farms and farmers' markets for your July 4th feast.
And after you've eaten, check out one of these local 4th of July events and festivals:
In Lee County
Music and Fireworks sponsored by Sanford Health and Rehab*
Where: Field beside Sanford Health and Rehab, 2702 Farrell Road (
map)
When: Monday, July 4 starting at 6:30pm
What: Games, crafts, face painting, and live music. Food and treats will be available for purchase. You can bring your own food and drink. Watch the fireworks from your car or bring a blanket/chairs.
Price: Admission is free.
*Read the Sanford Herald's write-up on this event.
Don't want to brave the crowds? Go celebrate our nation's independence at
Sanford families' newest favorite eatery -- Chick-Fil-A! There will be festivities from 10:30am-6pm on July 4th, including raffles and giveaways, visits by the Cow, and free milkshakes with meal purchases. Go enjoy the day without breaking a sweat!
Other July 4th Celebrations
Carolina Lakes' Fourth of July Fireworks
Where: Carolina Lakes Marina, Sanford NC
When: July 3 starting at 6:30pm
What: Parking lot will be open to all vehicles (except boat trailers) starting at 6:30pm. Boats moored in the slips at the marina will be moved by 7pm and the fireworks will begin at 9pm. Events are for residents and their guests only.
Price: There is no fee for admission.
Do more: Head back over on Monday (1pm) for a parade that will begin at the Carolina Lakes clubhouse and end at the marina. There will be food and festivities.
Town of Fuquay-Varina's July 3rd Celebration
Where: South Park (820 S. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina NC)
When: July 3rd starting at 6pm
What: Enjoy live music from Craig Woolard Band; free inflatables, rides, and activities for children; and a fireworks show at sundown.
Price: This is a free event.
POSTPONED TO JULY 5 -- Town of Lillington’s Festival of the Park*
Where: Lillington Park (
map)
When: Monday, July 4 at 3pm --
UPDATE: Tuesday, July 5 at 5pm
What: Rides, food vendors, and live music provided by The Cast Aways (4pm) and the Band of Oz. Fireworks will begin at dusk.
Price: Admission is free.
*Read the Fayetteville Observer's write-up of this event.
Town of Carthage's Annual July 4th Parade
Where: Will start at Monroe Street and end at the county courthouse in Downtown Carthage (
map)
When: Monday, July 4 at 11am
What: Patriotic parade complete with themed floats, cars, bands, youth groups, and more.
Price: The event is free.
Town of Aberdeen's Fun Family Fourth of July
Where: Aberdeen Lake Park (
map)
When: Monday, July 4 from 5:30 to 10pm
What: Activities and games -- including face painting, cornhole, duck pond, crafts, and bouncy castles -- for all age groups will start at 5:30 pm. Live music will begin at 6 pm. Dress up in patriotic colors for a costume contest. Fireworks will begin at 9:15 pm. For a complete list of games and vendors, click here.
Price: Admission to the park is free. A wristband for games, activities, and face painting is $3 per person.
Village of Pinehurst's 4th of July Celebration
Where: Pinehurst Harness Track (
map)
When: Monday, July 4 from 5pm-9:45pm
What: Festivities will kick off at 5pm at the Fair Barn, followed by live music at 6pm and fireworks at 9:15pm. Food and beverages will be available for purchase or you can bring your own.
Price: There is no admission fee.
Fort Bragg's July 4th Celebration
Where: Main Post Parade Field (look for signs)
When: Monday, July 4 from 3-10pm
What: Kiddie Land activity area opens at 3pm. Charlie Daniels Band will play at 5pm and the 82nd division parachute team demonstration starts at 6pm. Flag ceremony at 8:10pm and the 82nd Division All American Band at 8:40pm. Fireworks begin at 9:43pm.
Price: $7 for kids activities for the entire day. The rest is free and open to the public.
POSTPONED TO JULY 5 -- City of Raleigh and NC State Fair's July 4th Celebration
Where: NC State Fairgrounds (
map)
When: Monday, July 4 from 5 pm to 10 pm
What: Activities include sports, hat making, arts, dance instruction, nature program, adventure Program, a Japanese drumming performance, police and and fire displays, a giant obstacle course, and more. Free watermelon will start at 5pm. Fireworks will begin at 9:45 pm.
Price: Admission and parking is free for spectators.
POSTPONED TO JULY 5 -- Town Of Cary's Independence Day Celebration
Where: Koka Booth Ampitheatre (
map)
When: Monday, July 4 from 3 pm to 10 pm
What: Family Fun Zone featuring food along with children's activities from 3-7pm. Indy Model Boat Regatta at 4pm on Symphony Lake. Frozen t-shirt contest at 4:30pm and ice cream eating contest at 5:30pm. Performances by the Cary Town Band and NC Symphony. Fireworks begin at 9:15 pm.
Price: Concerts and display are free and open to the public.
Did we miss your favorite July 4th celebration? Let us know about it and we'll add it to the list!