Underwater Bike Race (photo courtesy of Discovery Diving Co.)

Cookouts! Live music! Fireworks! The Crystal Coast knows how to celebrate the Fourth of July in patriotic style. Make your plans to attend some of these great Independence Day events scheduled around our region.

Beaufort Fourth of July Parade & Community Picnic
This celebration along the downtown Beaufort waterfront is an old-fashioned tradition in historic Beaufort, NC. The parade includes all the Norman Rockwell ingredients: kids, pets, wagons, flags and music. Parade starts 11 AM. Potluck community picnic follows at the Carteret County Courthouse at Turner & Broad streets. Come and bring a dish to add! For more information contact Martha Barnes at (252) 728-3917.

Emerald Isle Fourth of July Celebration
The town of Emerald Isle again presents July 4th fireworks over Bogue Sound at the Chapel By The Sea. Fireworks will begin at 9 PM on July 4. The fireworks can be viewed at the Chapel By The Sea and the adjacent site of the new public boat launch facility (6800 block of Emerald Drive), and from nearby neighborhoods. Parking will be available along NC 58 and nearby streets. The fireworks will also be visible from Bogue Sound and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. For more information call (252) 354-6350.

Morehead City July 4 Celebration
The Morehead City Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor the Morehead City celebration on July 4th. The fireworks display will begin at approximately 9:15 PM from Sugarloaf Island. A free music concert will be held on July 2 at Jaycee Park, 9th & Shepard Streets. For more info call (252) 726-5083.

Atlantic Beach Fourth of July Fireworks
Enjoy a day full of sun, fun, fireworks, great music, and dancing at the annual Atlantic Beach Independence Day Celebration. The featured band will be playing from 7 PM until 11 PM, with a break at 9 PM for a beautiful fireworks display. Please bring your beach chairs and blankets and enjoy the show! For information call (252) 726-2121.

4th of July Underwater Bike Race
Organized by Discovery Diving Company of Beaufort, the Underwater Bike Race is a unique annual event held on the Fourth of July to benefit the Children’s Mile of Hope in support of cancer research. The race begins on the starboard side of the Indra shipwreck at approximately 3 PM. Contestants may swim, pedal, push, or drag, but only human power is allowed — no motors — and only one biker is permitted per bike. For details call Debby Boyce at (252) 728-2265.

Cannon Firing at Fort Macon State Park
A cannon crew of volunteers in period attire explain the loading and firing of a typical War Between the States field piece. They use an original 6-pounder cannon in the demonstration and actually fire it with a blank gunpowder charge at the conclusion of the program. For times and more information call (252) 726-3775.

Fireworks Cruise on the Crystal Coast Lady
Enjoy a spectacular fireworks display on the beautiful Morehead City waterfront. This Fourth of July voyage includes a scenic harbor tour, sunset and water-view fireworks display. Refreshments and food available for purchase, and we carry a full bar with ABC permits. Trip runs from 7:30 PM to approximately 9:30 PM, or to be determined. Please call (252) 728-8687 or email info@crystalcoastlady.com for more information or reservations.