Southport Magazine

Planning for the official State of North Carolina Fourth of July Festival is underway and event organizers are seeking sponsors to help fund the annual event, which draws nearly 50,000 visitors to the region each year. This year’s festival boasts a full schedule of events, including a variety of new additions to the festival’s calendar.

Now in its 228^th year, the 2023 festival starts June 30 and ends July 4 with a fireworks display overlooking the Cape Fear River on Southport’s waterfront. Other activities include a firefighter’s competition, nightly live entertainment, children’s games, arts and crafts, freedom flotilla, parade, Naturalization Ceremony, great food, and so much more. Additionally, the Town of Oak Island will host Beach Day, which will feature a corn hole tournament, bocce ball, volleyball and skate competitions, shag dance contest, and an evening concert with a live band and dancing.  Oak Island Beach Day, on July 1,  commemorates the merger of the Towns of Yaupon Beach and Long Beach into what is now The Town of Oak Island. The Town of Oak Island, as part of its anniversary celebration, concludes Beach Day with a fireworks celebration. Be sure to check out the schedule of events online as new things are being posted as more details become finalized.

For local businesses, the festival is a great opportunity to advertise to the 50,000-plus visitors and show support for the community. Sponsorship packages range from Eagle Sponsor to a Sparkler. Sponsorship packages are designed so that everyone can participate in helping the festival continue to provide an amazing Independence Day celebration. For participating merchants, the exposure is well worth the sponsorship investment. In addition to publicity before, during, and after the festival, some of the packages include VIP packages, signage on the festival grounds, and print ad recognition.   

“The 2023 festival is already shaping up to be a fun-filled event that promises to bring in thousands of visitors to the area, but we can’t do it without community support,” said Randy Jones, chair of the North Carolina Fourth of July Festival. “Sponsors are vital to the ongoing success of the Festival.” 

Visit the Festival’s website at www.nc4thofjuly.com/sponsorships, email the Festival at nc4thofjulyfestival@gmail.com or contact the Sponsorship Chair Person, Brett McKeithen at 910-457-5578 and become a sponsor today.