Tag Archive for: #independenceday

TownTalk: Juneteenth and July 4th, Vance Tourism

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July 4 falls on a Thursday this year, which makes for a long weekend just right for vacationers and campers to enjoy a few extra days in and around Kerr Lake. We’ll turn our attention to the skies around Satterwhite Point on Saturday, July 6 for the annual fireworks show, but come early and enjoy all the festivities that await, local tourism officials said.

Norman Dickerson and Pam Hester said this year’s activities include music by DJ Jay, as well as a variety of area vendors selling everything from wings and cheesesteaks to shaved ice treats.

The festivities begin around 4 p.m., and vendors will be set up and ready by 2:30 p.m. Dickerson said.

There’s a $7 state park gate fee – that’s per car, not per person. And a reminder: No alcohol is allowed in state parks. The community is invited to come out to enjoy the afternoon and stay for the fireworks display, which will begin sometime between 9:15 and 9:30, Dickerson said.

As in years past, the show should last 30 minutes or a little bit longer.

Once the last oohs and aahs have drifted into the night sky, Satterwhite Point Road will be transformed into a two-lane exit. The State Highway Patrol will close Satterwhite Point Road at Anderson Creek about the time the fireworks start to make sure festival goers can depart efficiently and safely.

RJ’s Grill, Bun on the Run and Warehouse Barbecue of Youngsville will provide burgers, dogs and more, while other vendors will have everything from corn dogs to pretzels and ice cream.

There also will be novelty items – think all things glow-in-the-dark – and the kids will be happy.

Dickerson and Hester appreciate the considerable support that more than a dozen area agencies provide to get what Hester called a “massive undertaking” like the holiday festival up and running.

From fire departments and the Highway Patrol, Sheriff’s Office, Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and, of course, the N.C. State Parks system, Vance County’s tourism officials give a solid pat on the back.

If it were left to the two of them to pull off,  the celebration would look less like fireworks and more like sparklers, they said.

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TownTalk: Combine Fun and Safety For July 4th Festivities

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However you decide to enjoy the upcoming July 4 holiday, law enforcement officials and others cannot stress enough the importance of remembering basic safety rules to keep the next few days a positive experience that produces good memories.

The long holiday weekend surely will be filled with cookouts, water activities and fireworks, just to name a few. But any activity can take a turn when safety rules aren’t observed.

Here’s a compilation of do’s and don’ts from Vance Sheriff Curtis, Mark Ezzell, director of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program, and others to make sure everyone enjoys the holiday.

  • Know what fireworks are acceptable for personal use where you live.
  • Don’t let children light fireworks – let them enjoy from a safe distance.
  • Never try to re-light a “dud.” Discard it and use another.
  • Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose at the ready when setting off fireworks.
  • Swim where there’s a lifeguard on duty.
  • If you’re at the pool, walk, don’t run on the pool deck.
  • No diving into pools except in authorized diving areas.
  • NEVER leave a child unattended near water, whether it’s a pool, pond, lake or ocean.
  • If you hear thunder, even in the distance, get out of the water.
  • Heed flags posted at the beach that indicate safety regarding swimming and rip currents.
  • Whether the vehicle is on the highway or in the water, drivers should NOT drink and get behind the wheel. Operation Firecracker Booze It and Lose It is in full swing through July 9, and Operation Dry Water runs from July 1-3.

 

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