Fourth of July in the Triad

Fourth of July, a day of grilled hot dogs, pool parties, and fireworks. I always look forward to this fun summer holiday both because of the traditions I have enjoyed with family growing up to now enjoying new celebrations with friends as I get older. The Triad area offers many activities to enjoy with your friends and family on this day of America’s independence.

Fun Fourth Festival If you have not yet been to downtown Greensboro to experience the Fun Fourth Festival, you need to make plans to do it! Every year it grows bigger and bigger, and I always think there is no way they can do more, but they do. Start the festivities off on July 3 the Freedom Run 10K, or for those who don’t feel like running quite so far, the Firecracker Road Race is only a mile. Then the big show starts at 8:00 pm with the Sleeping Booty Band at the Elm Street & McGee Street Lot. Then on the 4^th itself, the festival starts at 2:00. There are several bands, craft and food vendors, community group presentations, kid games and more. Of course, it wouldn’t be 4^th of July without patriotic music from the Trombone Shout Band, and the City of Greensboro Philharmonia, followed by a spectacular firework show. The best part about the Fun Fourth Festival is that it is a free event and family friendly.

Independence Day Celebration at Old Salem What better way to celebrate America’s Independence than to spend the day at Old Salem. Bring the family to see how the Moravians lived in the 18^th century. They will have hands-on demonstrations and activities for kids of all ages. Old Salem is open from 9:30 am-4:30 pm and what is especially unique about this celebration is all guest will be invited to Salem Square to see how the first 4^th of July was commemorated by the Moravians. Of course, there will be live patriotic music playing all afternoon to keep you in the spirit of the holiday.

Uncle Sam Jam You can’t forget the leading celebrity of 4^th of July, Uncle Sam! These festivities will be held at Oak Hollow Festival Park in High Point and will have a large variety of food and entertainment. They also have a special place just for your family called the Kid Zone which will have games, inflatable bounce houses, activities and entertainment to keep your little ones smiling all afternoon. For the adults, they will have performances by Hipshack, Red Dirt Revival, and Steve Moakler.

Wet ‘n Wild Imagine spending the day floating on a raft in the lazy river, or, to get your adrenaline racing ride the Riptide Racer or the Daredevil Drop. The Greensboro Waterpark is hosting Freedom Fest Parties the entire 4^th of July weekend as well as Sky Scream Fireworks. How awesome would it be to watch fireworks while in the park? The park has many ride options for the entire family to enjoy a fun day of getting wet, including a kid’s splash area.

As with any holiday, take the time to enjoy the day. Sometimes things can be hectic with organizing events with family and friends, but just take a moment and enjoy being able to have the freedom to be with those who you love the most.