Get ready to celebrate America's birthday in Burke

America is preparing to celebrate Independence Day and Burke County residents will have plenty of opportunities to mark the country’s 248th birthday. Beginning on July 3, local municipalities, organizations, and businesses will offer several events for the public.

Glen Alpine 

Where else on earth can Independence Day parade-goers hope to catch a glimpse of a patriotic chicken named Liberty Bell? Last year, Liberty and her chicken tender (get it?) Rudy Bell, were a highlight of Glen Alpine’s annual parade. We hope Liberty and Rudy plan to make a return appearance in this year’s event.

The Burke town sponsors the county’s only Independence Day parade, which will begin at 10 a.m. Those wishing to participate may line up beginning at 9:15 on Pollard Ave. Call Town Hall at 828-584-2622 with questions.

Valdese

Valdese is gearing up for a unique scavenger hunt to help kids commemorate our country’s birthday. The Town of Valdese and Farris Insurance Agency will hide 250 small American flags on Main Street, between Carolina Street and the Old Rock School. Between 8 a.m. and noon on July 3, children who find a flag may take it to the Farris Agency at 225 Main St. E. to receive a prize. Please limit one flag per child.

Burke County Fairgrounds 

The Burke County Fairgrounds will open at 4 p.m. on our nation’s birthday, and Burke County Fair President Shandy Denton Gossett promises “a good clean family-oriented celebration of the Fourth.”

“We’ll have a bluegrass band that afternoon,” said Shandy, “and we’ll be selling hot dogs and hamburgers. There will also be a bouncy house for the kids.”

And for kids — and adults — who want a stomach full of summer treats to help celebrate Independence Day, cotton candy, snow cones, and popcorn will also be for sale.

Shandy noted that the fairgrounds are “the perfect place” to watch the Morganton fireworks display which will be launched over at Freedom Park as darkness falls that evening.

Admission to the Fourth of July Blast is a mere $5 per carload.

Horseshoe Bend Family Campground 

At 6675 N.C. 181, the campground will be open to the public for a fireworks display.

“Come enjoy an Independence Day fireworks display included with the cost of admission to our campground,” their Facebook page says. “Fireworks will commence directly after our live music ends Saturday night.” Check out the campground’s Facebook page or website (horseshoebendcamping.com), or call 828-438-8659 for information.

Morganton

The City of Morganton will present a fireworks spectacular around 9:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, at Freedom Park. The park, on Independence Boulevard, will be closed all day while experts set up the explosives.

City of Morganton Recreation Director Bryan Fish said if storms threaten the 9:45 event, officials may make a decision to start the show a little earlier.

“A couple of years ago we had to set them off about 9:30,” Fish said.

“We’ll be watching the weather. We would rather set them off a little early than have to reschedule the show.”

According to Fish, Morganton’s fireworks display will last about 20-25 minutes. He said prime places to watch the show include Independence Boulevard, and in the Food Lion and Tractor Supply parking lots.

“Some people say there's a good view from the soccer complex,” he added.

Fish said Morganton Public Safety officers will be on hand for crowd and traffic control. He advised locals to stake out their parking spaces early, to be cautious with heavy traffic and parking, and to practice patience in what is sure to be a crowded environment.

Sandra Wilkerson Queen is the arts & entertainment editor for The Paper. She may be reached at 828-445-8595, ext. 2002, or via email at sandra@thepaper.media

Bill Poteat is editor emeritus of The Paper. He may be reached at 828-445-8595 or via email at bill@thepaper.media.