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Greetings from the Festival Chair

The patriotic spirit of America is alive and well in the City of Southport. For over 200 years this small maritime community has celebrated our nation's independence in a big way. The celebration has grown from colonial times when ships lay anchor in her harbor shot their cannons to today's festival where 40,000 to 50,000 people come each year to bathe in the richness of spirit commemorating Old Glory. Incorporated as the N.C. 4th of July Festival in 1972 the festival committee strives to keep the focus of the festival on honoring our nation's birthday with a little fun thrown in.

Festival highlights


On behalf of the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce and the
communities of Southeastern North Carolina, I welcome you to the 39th
annual North Carolina Fourth of July Festival in Southport extending
from July 1st through July 5th, 2010. This year's Festival committee is
working hard to ensure that this year's edition is the best ever. Since
the 4th falls on a Sunday this year, we gain an "extra" day of
celebration with the Festival culminating on the 5th of July with our
signature parade, fireworks and headlining waterfront entertainment.
The Festival kicks off with Beach Day on Oak Island on the 1st and runs
throughout the weekend with popular patriotic events and family fun.

The strong tradition of celebrating Independence Day in Southport dates
to 1795 when citizens observed "The Festival of Free Men". Building
upon this proud patriotic legacy, THE North Carolina 4th of July
Festival was incorporated in 1972 and has since continued to grow and
develop into the premier North Carolina destination for this annual
holiday weekend.

This year's Festival includes arts and crafts from the 3rd through the
5th in Franklin Square Park, a Veteran's Recognition Ceremony in the
Southport Community Building on the 3rd, and the unique waterfront
Naturalization Ceremony at Fort Johnston on the 4th. We'll have plenty
for the whole family; from children's games to fire-fighting competition
to great entertainment including the U.S. Army's touring show band, the
USA Express, performing on the waterfront on the evening of the 4th.
And, of course, don't miss the parade, military static displays,
entertainment, and fireworks on the 5th. A complete calendar of the
many events is located at our website, www.nc4thofjuly.com.

Wow! I can't wait. Mark your calendars now and plan on being part of
the fun and tradition that puts Southport and Oak Island on the vacation
map every year.

Sincerely,

Don Parker
Chairman
NC 4th of July Festival