When it comes to the Fourth of July, Belhaven is king in Beaufort County. Now in its 77^th year, the annual celebration returns next week with two full days of live music, festivities and all manner of activities for the family. From Belhaven and beyond, the festivities draw people from throughout the region.

The events kick off this Saturday with the town’s Little Miss Independence and Miss Independence pageants at the Wilkinson Center, followed by a concert by 4 of a Kind on the Wilkinson Stage. With the winners chosen and tiaras firmly in place, the contest participants will all make an appearance during the town’s annual parade on the Fourth.

On both July 3 and July 4, the town will be alive with activities, ranging from the traditional street dance on Wednesday night to fireworks at the waterfront on Thursday, there’s an open invitation for everyone to come out and join in the fun.

“Come enjoy the festivities, visit our local shops, mingle and meet new people — just have fun,” said Veronica Ward, with the Belhaven’s Celebration Committee.

A full schedule of events is listed below.

 

Saturday, June 29

10 a.m. — Little Miss Independence Pageant — Wilkinson Center
5 p.m. — Miss Independence Pageant — Wilkinson Center
8 p.m. — 4 of a Kind in concert — Wilkinson Stage

 

Wednesday, July 3

2 p.m. — Vendors and amusement rides open — Main Street
4 p.m. — Kiddie parade — River Forest Manor
5 p.m. — Pie and cake contest — Police Department Lot
6 p.m. — Dunking booth — Police Department Lot
6 p.m. — Hot dog eating contest — Belhaven Fire Department
6 p.m. — Twilight Hour — Belle Arts Gallery, 211 Pamlico Street
8-11 p.m. — Street dance, featuring TrainWreck ­­­— Main Street

 

Thursday, July 4

9 a.m. — Vendors and amusement rides open — Main Street
11 a.m. — Belhaven parade — Main Street
12:30 p.m. — Level Up video gaming — behind The Market on Main Street
12:30 p.m. — Down East Rods and Classics Car Show — Southern Bank
1-2 p.m. — Dunking booth — Police Department Lot
1 p.m. — Lawnmower pull — Behind The Market on Main Street
1:30 p.m. — Pantego VFD Mud Run — Highway 264 West
2 p.m. — Lucky Duck — Police Department Lot
1 p.m. — Nikki Selby — Wilkinson Stage
1:45 p.m. — Chris Gibbs — Wilkinson Stage
2:30 p.m. — Keane Warren — Wilkinson Stage
3:15 p.m. — Trinity Methodist Choir — Wilkinson Stage
4 p.m. — Tom Koch — Wilkinson Stage
4:45 p.m. — Dave Rieves — Wilkinson Stage
9 p.m. — Fireworks — Belhaven waterfront