From the smell of hot dogs, to the pops of fire works, there's no experience quite like Independence Day in Rowan County. If you've never had the chance to see it for yourself, we encourage you to join us this summer for an original 4th of July experience! We know there's a lot happening this fourth, but we've compiled a list of our must see and must do events when you #VisitRowanCountyNC
Faith N.C. - Faith 4th of July Celebration
You wouldn’t expect such a large celebration to come out of such a small town, however, Faith is known across the state for their annual 4th of July celebration. The celebration lasts almost a week and draws in thousands of people from North Carolina and beyond every year. When visiting Rowan County for this year’s 4th of July, you won’t want to miss this original event. Here is a breakdown of their day-to-day schedule so you don’t miss a thing:
June 29
6 P.M. - Food booths and rides open
7:30 P.M. - The Catalinas perform
June 30
6 P.M. - Food booths and rides open ($2 Thursday all rides $2 each)
7:30 P.M. - Cat 5 performs
July 1
6 P.M. - Food booths and rides open
7:30 P.M. - The Tonez perform
July 2
1 P.M. - Matinee begins ($30 armband good all day)
6 P.M. - Food booths and rides open
7:30 P.M. - Too Much Sylvia performs
10:30 P.M. - Fireworks at Faith Academy Ballpark
July 3
3:30 P.M. - Rowan Big Band perform
5 P.M. - Faith Patriotic Program Faith Baptist Church & food booths and rides open
7:30 P.M. - Blackwater Rhythm & Blues Band performs
July 4
10 A.M. - Rides open & Grand Marshalls and Rowan County Veterans Honor Guard parade begins
After Parade - Food booths open, flag raising & national anthem by Cheyenne Tally, Crowning of Miss Rowan County Veteran, and Master of Ceremonies
7:30 P.M. - Mother Trucker performs
8 P.M. - Races, games, watermelon eating contest and egg toss at Faith Academy Ballpark
9:30 P.M. - Hot dog eating contest at Faith Academy Ballpark
10:30 P.M. – Fireworks at Faith Academy Ballpark
Faith isn’t the only town here that knows how to celebrate. This year, both Spencer and Kannapolis have original 4th of July celebrations that you’ll want to check out during your visit.
Spencer N.C. – Fireworks Over Historic Spencer Shops
The N.C. Transportation Museum is hosting their second annual fireworks event. It is free and open to the public at the Historic Spencer Shops. After museum buildings and exhibits close at 5 P.M., join them for a night of games, music, food and fireworks.
July 2
7 P.M. – Activities begin including a display of the Ride of Pride trucks from Daimler Trucks North America’s Cleveland, N.C. plant, balloon twister, DJ music, inflatables, corn hole and other lawn games
9:15 P.M. – Firework show begins
Food will be available throughout the duration of the event from Roadway Dawgs and The Old Kettle Corn and Chill Shak. At this event, guests are invited to take a ride in a World War II era Dodge Weapons Carrier for a small fee, and all visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating.
Looking to make it an all-day trip?
Right across the street from the Historic Spencer Shops, The N.C. Transportation Museum is also hosting their Moving the Military Tour throughout the day where you and your family can discover military vehicles and equipment in the museum’s collection. During this guided tour, you’ll travel back in time as you learn the importance of the exhibits and how they played a role in military history. To book your tour before the fireworks event, purchase your tickets on the N.C. Transportation Museum’s website.
Kannapolis N.C. – Cannon Ballers Independence Day Fireworks
July 4 & 5
Enjoy an American classic baseball game followed by a firework show provided by the Sports & Entertainment Venue at Atrium Health Ballpark this fourth. The Kannapolis Cannon Ballers will be playing the Carolina Mud Cats on July 4 at 6:30 P.M. and following the game will be one of the biggest fireworks shows of the season. Not only will they be celebrating on the 4th of July, but there will also be a firework show on July 5 in case you want more!
Check out our event calendar for more events happening during your upcoming Independence Day trip to Rowan County, N.C.