As Independence Day draws closer, cities and towns around Sampson County are preparing to ring in America’s 250th in different ways.
On July 4, the Clinton Recreation & Parks Department will offer a host of activities for the community at the Bellamy Recreation Center, located at 500 Pierce St., in additional to its annual fireworks extravaganza which caps off the day at Royal Lane.
Starting at 9 a.m. will be the adult Home Run Derby, followed by the youth Home Run Derby at 10 a.m.A cornhole tournament will take place at noon.
“Our pool will be open as well, so individuals can come in and take a dip in the pool while they wait for festivities to take place,” suggested Garrett Bryant, director of Clinton’s Recreation & Parks.
“Around 5:30 p.m., we’ll have different activities for youth and smaller kids. There will be a bounce house, face painting, things like that,” Bryant offered. “We’ll also have a live DJ, food trucks, things of that nature.”
The recreation center will also host the annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular beginning around 9:30 p.m. It’s estimated to last around 16-17 minutes.
The fireworks will be shot off at the soccer complex within Royal Lane. Spectators will be allowed to view from the football field parking lot, which is connected to the city pool.
Community members also have the opportunity to watch fireworks from other locations as they often do each year, parking from Sunset Crossing all the way down to the Lowe’s Shopping Center.
“Typically, they sit in the parking lot of the Pizza Inn and the Carlie C’s parking lot,” Bryant commented.
For those wanting to park closer to the fireworks, Bryant advised that the sooner people can arrive, the better, as parking is limited near the soccer complex.
Newton Grove
As is its tradition, the town of Newton Grove will celebrate the Fourth of July on Sunday, July 5, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Newton Grove’s festivities, including fireworks, will take place at Weeks Park, with sheriff’s deputies assisting to direct traffic.
There will be bounce houses, local food, vendors, and live music.
“A young band out of Wilmington called The Fractured” will play from 6-8 p.m. that evening, said Deputy Clerk Dana Ellington.
Mayor Craig Warren will also be hosting as the DJ, Ellington pointed out.
Several vendors will be in attendance, including the Newton Grove Fire and Rescue, which will have a booth offering such items as fire-prevention pamphlets.
If the fireworks get rained out, “the rain date” is already set for July 12, Ellington said.
“The fireworks go off at dark,” she said, “which is usually about 9-9:15 p.m. They usually last about 15-20 minutes.
“It’s an excellent show,” Ellington added. “I’m super excited.”
Harrells
The Town of Harrells is not having any Fourth of July activities. Harrells did, however, celebrate America’s 250th this past Memorial Day. People were given the opportunity to speak about and place stars with the names of those who previously served and currently serve in the military.
“It was just a very heartfelt, good, warm, fuzzy feeling…it was a good way to celebrate patriots and patriotism…it was just wonderful,” remarked Cindy Ezzell, the town clerk for Harrells.
The towns of Garland, Roseboro, Salemburg, and Turkey will not have any events for the Fourth of July or America’s 250th this year.