SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — Thousands of people came out Thursday morning to enjoy Southport’s annual Independence Day Parade, part of North Carolina’s Fourth of July celebrations.
This year marks the 52nd year that Southport is hosting the official North Carolina Independence Day Festival, but the city's celebrations date back to 1795.
Thousands of people lined Moore and Howe Streets to watch the parade, including Harper Vic.
“Usually I feel like a lot of people are here for it, so it just makes it more special because it feels like there's a lot going on around you,” Vick said.
Among those in attendance were the South Brunswick High School Marching Band, newly crowned Miss North Carolina Carrie Everett, North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and many others.
Southport resident Chris Propst has been attending the parade with his parents for years.
He said that this was the perfect place to celebrate our country's birthday.
“Oh, everyone here is so nice and welcoming,” Propst said. “There's a lot of stores here, a lot to do, a lot for kids, they do the downtown stuff, it's just a nice place.”
“We've been coming here to watch the parade since he was a little kid. We've always been here, we vacationed here every year,” Chris' mother, Shari, said. “We vacation here, we go fishing, it's a lovely community to be a part of.”
Mike Dolan is a Vietnam War veteran who has attended the parade for years and says there's one thing he always looks forward to.
“I've always loved high school bands. You can't beat the enthusiasm of these young kids,” Dolan said.
In addition to the parade, North Carolina's Fourth of July festival draws thousands of people to the area and provides an economic boost for local business owners.