With Hurricane Arthur leaving eastern North Carolina relatively unscathed, the Washington Harbor District Alliance’s Fourth of July evening celebration begins at 6 p.m. on Friday.

“I just got back from downtown and everything looks good,” said Beth Byrd, director of WHDA.

Washington’s Independence Day celebration began with The Freedom Day Gospel Explosion at The Word of Life Worship Center on Friday morning. The Freedom Day Gospel Explosion concert started at 9 a.m. and will end at 2 p.m.

The evening celebration starts with the band Spare Change hitting the stage at 6 p.m. After the concert, a firework and laser light show will light up the downtown waterfront.