What's Happening around Lake Norman on this Fourth of July 2009?

"From nostalgic patriotic parades to community festivals with firework displays to myriad planned and spontaneous raft- up (boat) parties on Lake Norman, there truly is something for everyone here in the greater Lake Norman area this 4th of July. Get out of your home, save gas and have a great time!" I wrote this exactly one year ago and it is still just as true this year. So, here is the run down on Lake Norman's 4th of July festivities 2009:

Saturday, June 27th at 11:00am the Annual Iredell County Independence Day Parade will be held once again on a 3-mile route from the Iredell County Fair Grounds ending at the Troutman Elementary School. (Highway 21).

If you want to experience a slice of true small-town Americana, this is a must attend parade. The streets are lined with flags, yellow ribbons and folks of all ages, many with signs honoring our military past and present.

The parade itself has over one hundred entries including floats with United States Veterans from all of our wars, local clubs and civic organizations, beauty queens and just about any thing you can imagine including at least one John Deere Tractor.

Also on Saturday, June 27th, for the younger crowd, Vinnies Raw Oyster Bar is holding their popular annual bikini contest.

Friday, July 3rd from 5:00pm - 10:00m is the Third Annual Summer Celebration at Lowe's YMCA in Mooresville. This free event will feature children's games, inflatables, rock climbing and velcrowalls, a jousting arena, balloon artists, face painting, a veteran's ceremony and a performance by the Lake Norman Orchestra. The evening will end with a spectacular fireworks show. There will also be 100 food vendors, local arts and crafts and businesses in an effort to support the Chamber of Commerce's "Buy Local" campaign. A free shuttle bus will run from Peninsula Baptist Church on Brawley School road to the YMCA. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. For more information: Summer Celebration at the YMCA website.

The Town of Huntersville will be hosting their 7th Annual Fourth of July Celebration on Saturday, July 4th from 10:00am - 1:00pm at Birkdale Village. Activities will include bike decorating, face painting, a down bounce, children's art provided by the Children's Arts Project, a parade, a water fight between fire stations, music, food and "a whole lot of fun!!!"

The Town of Davidson will hold their annual Fourth of July Celebration on Saturday, July 4th from 4:30 - 8p.m. Festivities include their annual small-town parade. All are invited to "patriotically dress their bicycles, wagons, pets and strollers and participate by meeting at Davidson Town Hall at 4:30pm". Music and games for all ages will be set up on the Village Green and a children amusement are will be available for a $5 admission. Live entertainment will be provided by Rough Draft. There will be no fireworks this year.

Looking for something a little bit racy? How about the Independence Day Blastoff at East Lincoln Speedway in Stanley NC. Gates open at 5:00 and races start at 7:30pm. 704.263.5347

Fireworks displays are officially planned for Queens Landing on Lake Norman but trust me, if you are out on the lake, you will see many private fireworks displays! If you want to party, The Sandbar is always a lot of fun. Need directions? Also be sure to check out LKNfun.com where you will find a great list of celebrations at our many restaurants and bars.

Going to Uptown Charlotte? On July 4th at 9:30pm there will be a spectacular fireworks display at the Memorial Stadium. "Red White and Boom!" will offer "wholesome family fun" Admission is free and the fireworks show can also be viewed from a variety of locations around the city.

Finally, if you want to have your own, legal, fireworks display, in past years they have set up a stand where they sell fireworks at the corner of Williamson Rd. and Brawley School Rd.

Have fun and be safe!

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