PUBLIC TO SHARE IN THIS YEAR’S VIRTUAL FESTIVITIES
Each year, city residents and business owners adorn their yards and shop windows with patriotic decorations, and for a time, the sounds of the Festival fill the air. While the pubic cannot be together in the same ways as years gone by, there is still a way to honor some of the long-standing traditions and celebrate together –Virtually.
 
This year marks the 225th year of the Festival. It is also a milestone year for the Women's Suffrage movement, which 100-years ago led to women's right to vote. The 2020 festival committee has worked to create a series of Facebook events, contests, learning experiences, and fun to enjoy July 2 – July 4. The schedule includes, a Suffrage Challenge, Flag Raising Ceremony, Reading of the Declaration of Independence, and a special Naturalization Presentation – Take the Citizenship test & Recite the Oath. , On July 4, we will enjoy parades of the past. Celebrating the 100 years of Women's Right to Vote, the Southport Historical Society will debut an exclusive video. The night of the 4th of July will end with "Fireworks Stories from the Past," and a "Share" of a Fireworks Show.
Commemorative Festive T-Shirt
The NC 4 th of July Festival apparel is highly sought after each year. In lieu of a traditional annual design of festival t-shirts, this year’s commemorative design will be available in eight area businesses. We encourage you to support local businesses by purchasing one of the 4 th of July t-shirts.

Click "Purchase Locations" for a list of shops doing mail order.
The 100% cotton Gildan short sleeved shirt is available in adult sizes small to 3 xl, will retail for $19.99 and will be on sale at the following locations beginning Tuesday, June 16 th Boo & Roos , Color me Carolina , Doc Meridian Wine & Beer Shop , Frying Pan Restaurant , Party Time , The Pearl , Ricky Evans Gallery , and Southport Trading Company .
Women's Right to Vote on Virtual Parade
The Southport Historical Society is celebrating with a "virtual parade" of women and men in support of Women's Suffrage!

Send the Historical Society a photo of yourself or a family member dressed as a suffragist by 6/20!
Patriotism on Display
We have been compared to a Norman Rockwell painting because our residents and businesses really decorate for the 4th of July.

Are you dressing your storefront window, business or home this 4th?

We want a photo of your festive decorations! Submit a photo before June 26th to patriot@nc4thofjuly.com
to be included in "Patriotism on Display", a slide show of homes and stores dressed up in their star and stripes to be posted on Thursday, July 2nd on the Festival Facebook & Website.

Keep in mind:
No more than 5 images per email.
Image Size- smaller than 2 megabytes
Committee reserves the right to refuse any image.
Festival and its designees reserve the rights to use submissions for promotional purposes without compensation.
Deadline for entry 6/26
Post a Yellow Flower
We are asking you to join us and in a Suffrage Facebook Challenge on Friday, July 3rd. Celebrate 100 years of women's right to vote by changing your FB profile photo to a yellow flower for the day.

On May 21, 1919, the House of Representatives passed the amendment, and 2 weeks later, the Senate followed. When Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the amendment on August 18, 1920, the amendment passed its final hurdle of obtaining the agreement of three-fourths of the states. Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby certified the ratification on August 26, 1920.
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Communitywide Pledge
On July 4th, beginning at 11am we invite you to stop, reflect and join a communitywide pledge.

11am - Churches, Police and Fire Stations will ring bells.

11:03 am - Recite Pledge of Allegiance from your porch or where ever you are celebrating.

11:05 am- First responders, boaters and individuals are encouraged to blow horns and sirens for 3 minutes.
Test yOUR History Knowledge
Tune into Facebook Live as Jason C. Disbrow, Superior Court Judge in Judicial District 13B gives a civics test - Friday, July 3rd at 10am.

To become a naturalized U.S. citizen, one must pass the naturalization test which includes civics and English tests. There are over 100 civic questions but Judge Disbrow will only choose 10-12 questions for the practice test. So gather your friends on Facebook and see how well you do.

Throughout our nation's history, foreign-born men and women have come to the United States, taken the Oath of Allegiance to become naturalized citizens, and contributed greatly to their new communities and country. The Oath of Allegiance has led to American citizenship for more than 220 years.

Judge Disbrow will also recite the oath of citizenship. Then at 12pm and 2pm watch a video about becoming an American from a few of Southport's naturalized citizens.
Remember the 3 W's
When you are out and about shopping and dining please remember to Wear a cloth face covering, Wait 6' apart, and Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
NC 4th of July Festival | (910) 457-5578 | Email | Website