Independence Day celebrations

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy Independence Day at two local celebrations, including the Pride of Pike event which will feature live music, vendors, fireworks and more Saturday, July 2 at the soccer complex and the children’s bike parade in Concord Monday, July 4 at 10 a.m. PRIDE OF PIKEThe Pride of Pike Independence Day celebration will bring the community together Saturday, July 2 with live musical entertainment, inflatables and fun for kids, great food, lots of vendors for shopping and a huge fireworks show. Live entertainment will include Due South, the Hanson Trio, The Clark Kids and the Pike County Junior Players. ’We are looking to have a spectacular show with the fireworks provided by Zambelli Fireworks Company,’ said recreation director Kevin Teate. ‘We are still looking for sponsors, vendors and we hope everyone will come out to spend July 2 with the community as we celebrate Independence Day.’Due to recreation department budget cuts, the last Pride of Pike event was held six years ago. Admission is free but there will be a $5 parking fee per vehicle to help cover the cost of the fireworks show. The event will start at 4 p.m. with musical entertainment starting at 5 p.m. and lasting throughout the evening. ’Vendors are still needed and they can contact us at 770-567-2027 for a vendor information package or go to our website at pikecorec.com to print a packet,’ said Teate. ‘We are looking for as many vendors as we can have for Pride of Pike.’ Pride of Pike sponsors are needed and local businesses and organizations can email kteate@pikecoga.com or call the office for more information. The event will be held at the soccer complex with parking in between the soccer and baseball/softball fields. Parking at the soccer complex will be reserved for handicap and vendors only. ’We will have shuttles to take people from the parking area to the event area,’ said Teate. ‘We encourage everyone to come out and bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the fireworks. We will have safety zones marked so everyone can enjoy the fireworks safely. Please drive slowly once inside the parking fee gate as we will have parking attendants in the road to direct you to the parking areas. Please remember, alcohol and tobacco products and pets are prohibited at the park.’ There will be two parking fee gates, one at the intersection of County Farm Road and Twin Oaks Road and one at Twin Oaks Road just north of the soccer complex entrance. Emergency management crews will have a command post set up to assist anyone who may need their services. BIKE PARADEChildren of all ages will wave – and wear – the colors of America’s flag as they travel the streets of Concord during the annual Children’s Bike Parade set for 10 a.m. Monday, July 4. The Independence Day parade will feature local children and their families riding bikes, skates, scooters, wagons or any other unmotorized vehicles. Patriotic dress and decorations are encouraged. There will be a prize for the best decorated bike in three age groups, 4 to 6, 7 to 10 and 11 to 13. The parade will assemble in front of the Concord Cafe at 9:45 a.m. Refreshments will be served after the parade in the park.