A Good Old Fashioned Fourth

June 28, 2010 | Story by: Matt Young | Categories: Events

Cary, NC – Get ready for a good old fashioned Independence Day with music, a parade in the park, watermelon seed spitting, an ice cream eating contest and, of course, a massive onslaught of fireworks. It’ll make you want to wear a straw boater and an Uncle Sam beard.

Celebrations include the Independence Day Olde Time Celebration on July 3 at Bond Park. And, on July 4 at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, there’s a concert by the Cary Town Band and the North Carolina Symphony plus a fireworks spectacular.

All events are free and open to the public.

July 3 at Bond Park

On Saturday, July 3, at 8:30 a.m., families can participate in the annual Fishing Tournament, where prizes will be awarded for various categories. Also at 8:30 a.m., bring your decorated bike, stroller, wagon or other “ride” in preparation for the “Parade in the Park.” The parade will start promptly after a short patriotic performance by the Applause! Musical Theatre Touring Troupe.

Following the parade, various family-friendly contests will be held. The day concludes with an Independence Eve Celebration with performances by Applause! Cary Youth Theatre and the Cary Town Band.

The schedule for the Bond Park events on July 3 is as follows:

8-9:30 a.m.
Fishing Tournament (Waterfront) Registration opens at 7:30 a.m.

8:30-9:30 a.m.
Parade preparations (Kiwanis Shelter)

9:45-10 a.m.
Applause! Musical Theatre Touring Troupe (Kiwanis Shelter)

10:15-10:45 a.m.
“Parade in the Park” (Kiwanis Shelter)

11-3 p.m.
Family contests including Doughnut eating, Watermelon Eating, Watermelon Seed Spitting, Lakeside Olympics and Water Balloon Toss (Boathouse)

6:30-9:30 p.m.
Independence Eve Celebration (Sertoma Amphitheatre)

July 4 at Booth Amphitheatre

The next day, Koka Booth Amphitheatre throws open its gates at 3 p.m. on the Fourth of July to welcome the public for an afternoon of fun that culminates with an evening of festive music and the Triangle’s largest fireworks display.

While the event is free, Koka Booth Amphitheatre is offering four-seat tables for $125 per table. Price includes Lumpy’s Ice Cream and Star Spangled Swirl Bread from Great Harvest Bread Company.

Tarps, blankets and chairs are permitted; please no staking or tents.

The Amphitheatre events are as follows:

3-7 p.m.
Family Fun Zone (games and prizes for kids)

4 p.m.
Indy Model Boat Regatta (Symphony Lake)

5:30 p.m.
Ice cream eating contest (concessions area)

5:45 p.m.
Cary Town Band Concert

7:30 p.m.
North Carolina Symphony Concert

9:30 p.m.
Fireworks to follow concert at dusk

For further information, visit Independence Day at www.townofcary.org or call (919) 469-4061.

For this and other interesting events happening in Cary, check the CaryCitizen Calendar. If you have an event you would like us to add to the Calendar, please email Lindsey Chester.