| Wilmington,
NC – June 2014 / Newsmaker Alert / As the countdown to July
4th begins, many travelers are looking forward to epic summer vacations.
Those who visit Wilmington,
North Carolina’s historic river district and the island beaches of
Carolina
Beach,
Kure Beach, and Wrightsville
Beach can experience the July 4th holiday in a classic coastal setting.
Patriotic happenings to celebrate our nation’s independence include fireworks,
concerts, cruises and family events from the river to the sea. In recent
years, Coastal Living magazine identified Wilmington, N.C. among
its “Top
Spots to Celebrate the Fourth”. And this year the 4th falls on a Friday,
so pack your bag and head to the coast for a holiday weekend chock-full
of celebratory events. Here’s a sampling:
July 2nd: N.C. Symphony
Presents “Stars & Stripes”. 7:30 p.m. Patriotic highlights &
symphonic favorites. Admission charge. Kenan Auditorium, UNC-Wilmington;
910-962-3500; www.ncsymphony.org
July 3rd: Pleasure Island
Fireworks. Enjoy live bluegrass & Southern rock from 6:00-9:00
p.m. and oceanfront fireworks at 9:00 p.m. on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk.
Stay the weekend to enjoy boardwalk amusements and rides; see the rare
Venus Flytrap at Carolina Beach State Park; rent a kayak; learn to surf;
visit the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher; explore Civil War history at Fort
Fisher. Watch a free family movie on Sunday evening at Carolina Beach Lake
or boogie to live music at the new Kure Beach Ocean Front Park. 910-458-8434;
www.pleasureislandnc.org
July 3rd: Moonlight Family
Dance Cruise & Fireworks. Dance to beach music/oldies & cruise
to see the Carolina Beach fireworks show from the deck of the Royal Winner
Princess II. Boards 8:30 p.m.; returns 10:45 p.m. Admission charge; prepaid
reservations. Carolina Beach Marina, Carolina Beach. 910-458-5356; www.winnerboats.com
July 4th:
4th of July Riverfront
Celebration. The riverfront celebration features music by the 440th
Army Band in Riverfront Park (5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.). At 9:05 p.m., a choreographed
fireworks display will explode over the Cape Fear River. Best view of fireworks
is from Downtown along the Riverwalk. For details about fireworks, street
fair, parking and traffic details: www.wilmingtonnc.gov/community_services/events_permits/special_events/4th_of_july
July 4th Henrietta III
Dinner Cruise. The Henrietta III July 4th dinner cruise features a
BBQ buffet dinner and great view of the fireworks show over the Cape Fear
River. Admission charge. Pre-paid reservations required. Boarding begins
at 6:00 p.m.; departs 6:30 p.m. from riverfront at Water and Dock streets,
Downtown Wilmington. 800-676-0162 or 910-343-1611; www.cfrboats.com
July 4th Firecracker Cruise.
6:30 p.m. A sunset cruise with ‘shoofly’ rum punch and appetizers, followed
by fireworks over the river. Advance reservations. 910-338-3134; www.wilmingtonwatertours.net
July 4th Fireworks Dinner
& Dance Cruise. Celebrate the 4th with a dinner/dance cruise to
Southport aboard the Royal Winner Princess II. Boards 6:30 p.m.; departs
7:00 p.m. from Carolina Beach Marina to see Southport’s July 4th fireworks
extravaganza. Admission charge. Pre-paid reservations required. Carolina
Beach Marina, Carolina Beach. 910-458-5356; www.winnerboats.com
Mayfaire Music in the
Park. 6pm-dark. A Fun Fourth with music by The Millenia Funk Band.
Bounce castle, cotton candy, snow cones. Free. Mayfaire Town Centre, Wilmington.
910-256-5131; www.mayfairetown.com
Airlie Gardens Concert
Series. 6pm-8pm. Declare your independence to dance to live music by
The Imitations (beach/soul/rock). Admission charge. Airlie Gardens, Wilmington.
910-798-7700; www.airliegardens.org
There’s so much more in store
for an epic summer vacation! For visitor information and a complete Event
Calendar, visit www.GoWilmingtonAndBeaches.com.
The coast is close. Wilmington, N.C. & Island Beaches is a convenient
drive from Raleigh via I-40 and from Charlotte via US 74. For a free Official
Visitors Guide for Wilmington, North Carolina’s historic river district
and the island beaches of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville
Beach, please call 866-266-9690 or email visit@wilmingtonandbeaches.com.
Media
Contact:
Wilmington
and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau
Connie
Nelson
Communications/PR
Director
910-332-8751
866-266-9690
ext. 120
|
The
New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority d/b/a Wilmington and Beaches
Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization
of New Hanover County, North Carolina that stimulates economic development
through the promotion of travel and tourism.
| |
