Professional fireworks on Ocracoke will launch at 9:15 p.m. July 3. Photo: C. Leinbach

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Ocracoke Island will celebrate Independence Day over two days–today and tomorrow–sponsored by the Ocracoke Civic and Business Assn. Inc. and Hyde County.

An old-fashioned square dance from 6 to 8 p.m. followed by fireworks at 9:15 p.m. kick off the celebration tonight (July 3), and on Tuesday, July 4, an array of activities will take place throughout the village.

Below is the schedule.

          Monday, July 3:

6 to 8 p.m.: TRADITIONAL ISLAND SQUARE DANCE
At Community Square. Music by Molasses Creek; Philip Howard will be the square dance caller.

8 to 9:15 pm: GATHERING AT THE NPS DOCKS
Dance tunes and patriotic songs spun by a local deejay

9:15 p.m.: FIREWORKS
Launched from the NPS parking lot. Gather at the NPS docks and around Silver Lake Harbor.

            Tuesday, July 4:

Square dancing will be held in Community Square from 6 to 8 p.m. July 3.

8 to 10 a.m.: MEET JOBELLE, Born May 7, Jobelle is the newest member of Ocracoke’s wild pony herd at the NPS Pony Pens

9 a.m.:  FLAG RAISING CEREMONY and SINGING OF NATIONAL ANTHEM
Led by Ocracoke Boy Scout Troop # 290. Ocracoke School flag circle on School Road

9:30 a.m. to Noon:
39th ANNUAL SAND SCULPTURE CONTEST

One of several sand sculptures at the Lifeguard Beach in the 2016 Independence day holiday celebration. Photo: C. Leinbach


At the NPS Lifeguard Beach. Peoples’ choice awards.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: CLASSIC CAR SHOW
Pony Island Motel lawn. Sponsored by Jimmy’s Garage.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: OCRACOKE LIGHTHOUSE
The lighthouse will be open for viewing. All are welcome to see inside.

4 p.m.:  OLD TIME OCRACOKE PARADE                                                                                                                         All are welcome to enter. Cash prizes. Entrants should register by July 2, by emailing a photo of the entry form to info@ocracokevillage.com.  Pick up your parade entry number between 1 and 4 p.m. on July 4 at Ocracoke Station. Entry forms available at the Post Office, or request a form from info@ocracokevillage.com.
Parade route starts at Ocracoke Oyster Company and ends at NPS Parking Lot.

6 p.m.: STORYTELLING WITH DONALD DAVIS
On the lawn at Books to Be Red; bring your own chair or blanket

7 p.m.: NATIONAL ANTHEM AND AWARDS PRESENTATION
Winners announced for Parade and Sand Sculpture Contest. Books to Be Red lawn

EVENING CELEBRATION
Ocracoke Day Use Area/Lifeguard Beach
7 to 10 p.m.: COMMUNITY BEACH FIRE
Bring your beach blanket, chair, and marshmallows to roast. OCBA will provide a beach fire for all to enjoy.

A community beach bonfire concludes the festivities from 7 to 10 p.m. July 4 at the Lifeguard Beach. Photo: C. Leinbach

 

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