LUMBERTON — There was always going to be a fireworks show above the football stadium at Lumberton High School on Monday night.
The question all day was would it be man-made or Mother Nature’s.
It was a lot of both.
The city’s annual Family Fourth Celebration went on as scheduled despite worries all day that thunderstorms would force a cancellation. And although there was some rain that annoyed some vendors into calling it a nigh early and thunder as a background track, the fireworks filled the air a few hours shy of our nation’s 241st birthday with spectators in the stadium, surrounding it, lined along Fayetteville Road and watching from miles around, many from the comfort of their front lawns.
Before the celebration turned explosive, children played in inflatables. Families shared pizza and enjoyed hots dogs and other July Fourth staples, listened to music, and watched as a team of military veterans parachuted into the stadium.
Those inside the stadium enjoyed the music of Dark Water Rising, watched the opening ceremonies, and were greeted by members of VFW Post 8969 of Lumberton who handed out programs and small American flags.
“We’re very excited. That’s part of our mission with the VFW to help foster patriotism and to remember our nation and our service members,” Post Commander Mickey Biggs said. “For us, it’s really exciting to be out here and be a part of it.”
Biggs said he wants young Americans to understand what today actually is, a celebration of the Declaration of Independence, which was signed on July 4, 1776, triggering the American Revolution and establishing what has become the freest and wealthiest country in the history of mankind.
“There’s no better country in the world than the United States and they should enjoy every right and privilege that they have. It’s an important thing,” Biggs said.
Walter J. Smith, post member and a Vietnam veteran who spent 22 years in the military, said he always enjoys celebrating Independence Day.
“We just want young people to understand what independence means and what the military had to go through to give them the right to do as they please,” Smith said.
Beth and Steve Hatcher brought their daughter, 6-year-old Chloe, out to the football field to play on the bounce toys. Beth said the celebration of the Fourth of July means more than having fun and cooking out.
“It’s awesome. It’s independence. It’s our freedom,” she said.
Glonnie Scott is a member of the Robeson County Fireman’s Association Honor Guard, which presented the American flag.
“I think everybody enjoys the celebration,” Scott said. “We are honored to do this every year.”
Ronnie Boothe and Catherine Oxendine, and their children, Josh, Olivia, Ronnie Jr., and Jasmine were decked out in red, white and blue.
“I try to teach them about loving their country. I haven’t ever been in the service but I do love my country,” Boothe said. “It’s amazing the things that we have, living in this country, that we should be grateful for.”
He sees enough on the international news to make him appreciative of living in America, Boothe said.
“If you look around on TV and stuff and look at how they live in some other parts of the world, we’ve really got it good and that’s something to be proud of,” he said. “I try to raise them to be proud of where they come from.”
The annual event, which is sponsored by the city and managed by its Recreation Department, has grown into the biggest fireworks display in the county.
More explosive fun awaits today for people who missed Monday’s show.
A parade sponsored by the Parkton Ruritans began with an opening ceremony at 9 a.m. in The Memory Park next to Town Hall was to start the parade scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m.
St. Pauls will celebrate the Fourth of July today with a fireworks display at 8:30 p.m. at the fire station at 585 W. McLean St.
In Rennert, the festivities were scheduled to start at 10 a.m. today with a parade through town. The daylong celebration also includes Gospel singing, vendors selling various food and items, and games for children. The town’s fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m.
