Honoring a Legacy. Inspiring a New Generation.

For nearly three decades, the North Carolina Fourth of July Queen served as a proud ambassador for Southport’s Fourth of July Festival, North Carolina’s Official Fourth of July Celebration. What began in 1967 as a local pageant sponsored by the Southport Jaycees quickly grew into one of the most respected festival titles in the region, known for its iconic red, white, and blue crown and its emphasis on service, scholarship, and community pride.

Each year, the Queen traveled thousands of miles across the Carolinas and Virginia, promoting Southport’s celebration and representing the spirit of Independence Day with grace and patriotism. In 1972, the festival received its state charter, elevating the title to the North Carolina Fourth of July Queen, a role that continued to shine through the early 1990s.

Now, in 2026, as our nation commemorates America’s 250th anniversary, the North Carolina Fourth of July Festival is proud to revive this cherished tradition in a new form. The North Carolina Fourth of July Scholarship Pageant honors the legacy of those who came before while creating meaningful opportunities for today’s young women through education, leadership, and service.

The History of the North Carolina Fourth of July Queen

As the Southport Fourth of July Festival grew larger and more prominent, the Southport Jaycees recognized the need for a year-round representative to promote the festival beyond the holiday itself.

The first Miss Fourth of July Pageant was held on July 1, 1967, at Southport High School Auditorium and was produced by the Southport Jaycettes. Ten young women competed, and Cathy Joyner was crowned the first Miss Fourth of July.

Throughout the following decades, the Queen represented Southport across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, appearing in parades, festivals, and civic events. In 1969, the beloved red, white, and blue crown was introduced, quickly becoming one of the most recognizable crowns in festival pageantry.

By 1970, the pageant had moved to Hatch Auditorium at Fort Caswell, where it enjoyed years of sold-out crowds and significant scholarship fundraising success. In 1972, the festival was officially designated North Carolina’s Official Fourth of July Festival, and the title became the North Carolina Fourth of July Queen.

The original pageant concluded in the early 1990s, with a brief revival attempt in 1995. Afterward, the crown was respectfully retired… until now. Launching in 2026, the North Carolina Fourth of July Scholarship Pageant reimagines this historic title for a new generation. Rooted in tradition but focused on the future, the scholarship pageant emphasizes education, leadership, community involvement, and patriotic service.

While the crown and format have evolved, the mission remains the same: to celebrate young women who embody the spirit of Independence Day and who will serve as ambassadors for the North Carolina Fourth of July Festival.

North Carolina Fourth of July Queens

Note: In years marked A/B, the title was shared due to special circumstances.