July 4th is fast approaching and everyone will be out celebrating the 241st anniversary of our nation’s independence. It’s one of the few days of the year that all Americans, from each side of the aisle and every walk of life, happily come together to share hotdogs and marvel at fireworks.
The biggest mistake you can make on Independence Day is to blast a precious finger off with an illegal bottle rocket. (Please review North Carolina’s fireworks laws and abstain from drinking alcohol while enjoying any fireworks, including the legal fountains and sparklers.) The next biggest mistake is neglecting to formulate a plan for your day. Planning is essential, especially if you will be celebrating with children or people who become grumpy during traffic-jams.
A few important things to consider:
What’s the weather forecast?
Where are you going?
When are you going?
How many people are in your party?
What is the safest route?
Does parking cost money?
What is the back-up plan?
Who is the designated driver?
Now that you’re prepared to plan a day worthy of Uncle Sam’s approval, here are the best ways to celebrate the Fourth of July in Winston-Salem:
Step back in time at Old Salem Museums and Gardens.
The first public Independence Day celebration in the United States of America was held here in 1783. The festivities begin at 10:00 a.m. with a tear-jerking Naturalization Ceremony that is sure to make even the Statue of Liberty smile. Enjoy music performed by a Moravian Brass Band, sign the Declaration of Independence, take part in traditional celebrations, and much more! Purchase your tickets online or at the Visitor’s Center.
Attend the Fourth of July Extravaganza with The Dash.
The party starts on the streets of Downtown Winston-Salem at 4 p.m. where you can bounce in inflatables, enjoy live and local music, and grab a bite to eat from the finest food trucks around. It all leads up to the Dash baseball game at 6:30 p.m. which will end in the best fireworks show for miles. Get your tickets today!
*If the baseball game tickets sell out, there are plenty of places around town to set up a lawn chair and enjoy the fireworks.
Plan a barbecue or a block party.
Avoid the traffic and crowds altogether by hanging out in your own backyard. You may feel like staying at home will cause you to miss out on the festivities in town; however, it can be far more meaningful to celebrate your country with your loved ones and neighbors. Fire up the grill, buy hotdogs and baked beans in bulk, and don’t forget the sparklers and sidewalk chalk for the kids!
Listen to our nation’s music in Salem Square.
A free concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. by the Salem Band, one of the oldest ensembles in the nation. The band was established in 1771, five years before America’s independence was even won. The concert will feature traditional marches, “Stars and Stripes Forever,” and a piccolo soloist, Trisha Tuttle, will perform “Through the Air.”
Travel Options
Now, if you’re willing to take a little road trip, you can travel beyond the realm of Winston-Salem to celebrate the Fourth of July at these events:
Greensboro
Fun Fourth Street Festival: Held in Downtown Greensboro from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., this festival has food vendors, games, fun for all ages, and live music.
Patriot Fireworks Concert: This free concert is held at the First National Bank Stadium. It begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends with a stunning fireworks show at 9:00 p.m.
Yadkinville
July 4th Celebration: Head to Yadkinville Elementary School to enjoy a patriotic parade at 5:00 p.m., a concert at 5:30 p.m., and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Kernersville
4th of July 5k: The Rotary Club of Kernersville hosts its 22nd Annual 5k at 8:30 a.m. through Downtown.
4th of July Fireworks: Enjoy live music at Kernersville Elementary School at 5:30 p.m. followed by a beautiful fireworks display at 9:00 p.m.