Help Southport continue one of America’s oldest Independence Day traditions
In 2026, the United States will celebrate 250 years of freedom. Here in Southport, we’ll honor a tradition that began in 1795, when ships in the harbor fired salutes at daybreak, and townspeople gathered for what was called the Festival of Free Men.
For more than two centuries, families have lined these same streets, children have waved flags from their parents’ shoulders, and neighbors have reunited on the waterfront.
Now it’s our turn to carry it forward.
We’re inviting every household to consider a $250 gift in honor of America’s 250th birthday.
Your gift keeps the celebration alive
The NC 4th of July Festival is a 501c4 non-profit organization.
Every parade float, fireworks shell, children’s game, stage performance, and ceremony happens because of support from local families and businesses.
While the Festival works closely with the City of Southport, the city does not fund the events themselves. Through an agreement, the city provides staffing support, but the Festival must raise the dollars needed to produce the celebration.
In short, this festival exists because the community chooses to make it happen.
What your support makes possible in 2026
For America’s 250th, we’re expanding the celebration in big ways:
🇺🇸 The return of the Miss NC 4th of July Pageant (last hosted in 1995)
🍽️ Independence Eve, featuring food and history from the colonial era
🪂 The return of a Veteran’s Sky Dive
🎆 A bigger, brighter fireworks show than we’ve had in years
And we have even more in the works. But we cannot do it without you.
Sparkler Sponsor – $250
When you give $250, you’ll be recognized as a Sparkler Sponsor and receive:
- 5% off parade entry fees
- 2 passes to the Hospitality House at the Southport Community Building
- Recognition in local thank-you ads
- Access to watch the July 4th fireworks from the Southport Pier
It’s our way of saying thank you for investing in a tradition that belongs to all of us.
A celebration carried through generations
From cannon salutes in the 1700s…
to parades, queens, and waterfront dancing…
to welcoming new citizens in moving naturalization ceremonies…
The NC 4th of July Festival has always been about patriotism, community, and shared memory.
Parents who once raced in the children’s games now watch their grandchildren do the same. Families plan reunions around the dates. Visitors return year after year because there is simply nothing else like it.
Be part of the next chapter
Two hundred and fifty years of American independence is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone.
Help us mark it in a way worthy of Southport’s history.