City has full slate of Independence Day festivities

An economic recession will not dampen New Bern's annual Independence Day celebration and fireworks, which will go on Saturday to show people that "normalcy is prevailing," Mayor Tom Bayliss has said.

The celebration is organized by the city's Parks and Recreation Department, and will feature food, rides, vendors, music, and of course, a fireworks finale.

There is, however, a change of venue this year. The festivities will be held at Lawson Creek Park instead of Union Point Park, a move that will both cut costs and make traffic easier to manage while Broad Street is under construction.

The event is free to the public, but there are small charges for some of the children's activities, said Nicole Dewar, one of the celebration coordinators for the city.

Food vendors will be selling typical summer fare: hamburgers and hot dogs, and, new this year, a "healthier wrap" with chicken, beef or meatballs. For those seeking a sugar rush, there will be cotton candy, funnel cakes and candy apples.

Families are invited to pack a picnic and spend a whole day at the park, which will be open for the celebration beginning at 3 p.m. Activities for children include bounce houses, a giant slide and "mist tents" to keep them cool. Those activities will be open until 8 p.m.

New Bern's mayor will offer remarks at 7 p.m. Just after that, members of the Carolinian Shakespeare Festival company will read the Declaration of Independence.

"We think this is a terrific way to celebrate the founding of our country, said company director Mary McGinley. "This document was written to be heard, to be read aloud in every town across the country. That's what we plan to do. When you hear it read aloud, it really comes alive. It is full of exciting and profound ideas, truths and values."

Andrea Owens will sing the National Anthem, and the fireworks begin about 9:15 p.m. They'll be launched from land this year, a cost-cutting measure, and they are paid for by donations instead of city money.

At least 8,000 people are expected to attend the celebration.

New Bern Police Department will oversee parking for the event, which is at 1309 Country Club Road. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early, and to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

Nikie Mayo can be reached at (252) 635-5665 or nmayo@freedomenc.com.

If you go ...

What: New Bern's Independence Day celebration

When: Saturday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

Where: Lawson Creek Park, 1309 Country Club Road

Cost: Free admission; small charges for children's activities

Bring: Blankets, lawn chairs, flashlights

Don't bring: Pets, fireworks or alcohol

Boaters beware ...

Because of the celebration, the boat launch at Lawson Creek Park will be closed from 11 p.m. Friday to 11 p.m. Saturday.

Boaters can still launch their vessels for free at Union Point Park or Glenburnie Park.