Highway 6: The history behind the North Carolina Fourth of July Festival

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) – From the parade to the fireworks, North Carolina’s Fourth of July Competition is stuffed with traditions, a few of which date again to 1795, lower than 20 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The pageant’s wealthy historical past is a part of the rationale why Trisha Howarth places numerous hours into bringing the occasion to life every year.

“Simply patriotism,” Howarth stated. “I take pleasure in what the mission of the pageant stands for, it’s selling patriotism, and doing that 12 months spherical, and it’s simply our approach of actually celebrating in grand model. I really like being a part of that staff.”

Getting the pageant again to that grand celebration really feel, nonetheless, has been a problem. One which Howarth and her staff have endured over the previous a number of years.

“It was so arduous to retool for these two years,” she stated. “Like many festivals skilled, but it surely’s additionally given us an opportunity to develop to incorporate extra occasions on Oak Island like we did final 12 months. And due to that, there’s stuff for everyone to take pleasure in.”

Just like the Star-Spangled Banner, the pageant has remained fixed by way of robust challenges, and now households of the possibility to come back collectively in Brunswick County for a vacation weekend. Howarth says this proves that when your pageant dates again to the 1700s, the extra issues change, the extra they keep the identical.

“One factor that I’ve seen that has not modified, and it’s our custom,” Howarth stated. “So, individuals who grew up there, come again dwelling. It’s a reunion time. It’s a household occasion, and individuals who have gone for years preserve that journey yearly.”

To learn extra in regards to the Fourth of July Competition, click on right here.

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