Southport Magazine

This year’s 4th of July Festival won’t be exactly like it was in the times before the pandemic, but many of our favorite features are returning, with a bit of a twist. With construction on Howe Street and COVID restrictions complicating matters, the Town of Oak Island will be hosting more of the celebration this year, while continuing its traditional role as host of Beach Day, and some activities in Southport have been moved to private venues. 

Beach Day will be on Thursday, July 1, and feature horseshoe, bocce ball, corn hole, and beach volleyball tournaments as well as a sandcastle competition. The little ones can enjoy inflatable rides in Middleton Park during the day with evening bringing a food truck rodeo, shag contest and live music from Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot. The evening will end with fireworks at the Oak Island Pier to celebrate the town’s birthday. Fireworks are visible for miles up and down the strand, so no need to crowd around the pier if you’d rather not. 

On Saturday, July 3, enjoy the Red, White and Blue Car Show in Bill Smith Park, 4446 Fish Factory Road, with musical entertainment provided by the Back Porch Rockers. The popular Arts and Crafts Market will be in Oak Island’s Middleton Park along with entertainment from Up Your Arts. 

This year will feature quite a few ways to celebrate the reason for the season in Southport, with readings of the Declaration of Independence on Saturday and Sunday at Moore Street Market and Southport Market, and a chance to affix your very own signature to the document at Cattail Cottage on Saturday. The Boy Scouts and American Legion Post 543 will host a flag retirement ceremony at Fort Johnson on Saturday afternoon.

Start your Independence Day with a flag raising ceremony on the Garrison lawn in Southport. Moore Street Market and Southport Market will host readings of the Declaration and other Southport venues (to be announced) will host entertainment on the 4th. The Arts and Craft Market continues in Middleton Park, this day joined by Live Pro Wrestling. 

A freedom Flotilla is scheduled to begin at 2 pm July 4 in the Intracoastal Waterway in front of Frying Pan and the Old Yacht Basin and continue past Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill before ending at the St. James Marina around 4 pm. Great viewing spots are available all along the route.

The Fourth of July festivities will end with a fireworks display from the Oak Island pier visible for miles up and down the strand. 

“The festival committee appreciates the Town of Oak Island’s willingness to expand the number of events held on Oak Island in 2021,” said NC 4th of July Festival Co-Chair, Trisha Howarth. “We are very privileged to live in a community that comes together in challenging times to foster good outcomes. I am delighted that there will be in-person events in 2021, and look forward to a return of a full schedule of events in 2022.”

Look for a complete schedule of events with times and locations in the July issue of Southport Magazine!