Several observances of Independence Day are scheduled in WilkesCounty, but one annual event has been delayed to this fall.
The Fly-In at the Wilkes County Airport, organized by theMountain View Ruritan Club, has been on a Saturday close to July 4every year since the first one in 1992.
Club spokesman Jimmy Wiles said the 19th annual Fly-In isscheduled for Sept. 17 this year because of the likelihood ofcooler weather then.
Wiles said free games for children, live music and otheractivities are planned, including a parachute jumping demonstrationby a company based in Swan Creek. Food will be for sale.
New in McGrady
A free program, planned for the first time, about theDeclaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and Articles ofConfederation, is from 6-7 p.m. Saturday at the Halls MillsCommunity Center on N.C. 18 North in the McGrady community.
This event is being organized by the Halls Mills Ruritan Cluband is designed for people of all ages, said a club spokesman. Freerefreshments will be provided.
In the Wilkesboros
The 12th annual Wilkes County Emergency Vehicle Parade throughthe Wilkesboros and the annual Independence Day fireworks displayat Memorial Park are both scheduled Monday. The fireworks display,co-sponsored by Wilkes Law Enforcement Officers Association (WLEOA)and the Wilkes Journal-Patriot, starts at dusk.
The parade starts at 8:30 p.m. and will include different typesof emergency vehicles from Wilkes and surrounding counties. Stagingfor the parade is at West Park, North Wilkesboro from 6-8 p.m. July4.
It will leave West Park, turn right on West D Street, then righton CBD Loop to Sixth Street, then left on Sixth Street to MainStreet, then left on Main Street to 10th Street, then right on 10thStreet to D Street, then left onto D Street to the CBD Loop, thenleft on the CBD Loop, then right on Wilkesboro Boulevard, then lefton Wilkesboro Avenue and end at Memorial Park and the Board ofEducation parking lots.
No candy will be thrown during this event, said Parade ChairmanRandy Bell.
“Any agency wishing to stay for fireworks can park at theWilkes Board of Education Office on Cherry Street or MemorialPark,” said Bell. The parade is held in memory of his son, BradleyRay Bell.
A drawing will be held for a free Stihl product from entries inthe parade. One entry per emergency vehicle. People with questionscan call Bell at 566-1298.
Other events
• annual July 4 gathering starting at 3 p.m. Monday, withfireworks shortly after 9 p.m., at the Roaring River Fire Stationon Abtco Road, which is off N.C. 268 East, in Roaring River. FireChief Dale Pierce said there will be live music, hayrides,mini-train rides, inflated jumping slides and jumping areas,antique and contemporary race cars, other antique cars and more.Pierce said hot dogs, other food and drinks will be for sale;
• annual July 4 gathering at the Brushy Mountain CommunityCenter and pool on Brushy Mountain Road, provided by the BrushyMountain Ruritan Club, from 4-6 p.m. Monday. Club spokesman PaulBarelski said free hot dogs, burgers and drinks will be servedstarting at 5 p.m. There will also be live music and otheractivities;
• annual event with pool games, other activities and food atOakwoods Country Club near Wilkesboro for club members is Sunday,said a club spokesman.
Fireworks regulations
Wilkes Fire Marshal Kevin Bounds said he wanted to remind thepublic that state laws requiring the presence of certifiedpersonnel at fireworks displays are fully in effect this year afterbeing waived last year at this time since they were so newthen.
Bounds said people with fireworks certification are lined up tobe present at the fireworks displays at Memorial Park and theRoaring River Fire Station, but that he wasn’t aware of thisrequirement being met for any other displays in Wilkes.
He said law enforcement officials can write citations forviolations, but that enforcement generally is complaint-driven.Bounds said law enforcement officials also have the option ofseizing fireworks being used illegally whether or not citatationsare issued.
