WHITE LAKE — In the 200-plus years since the United States won its independence, Americans have continued to develop traditions to celebrate the annual observance of freedom. Among those, for many, is a patriotic fireworks display.

The Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, which, in addition to the town of White Lake, sponsors the annual illumination at White Lake and is adding something new this year.

“What we’re doing different this year is adding a new event to kick off the Fourth of July weekend,” said Chamber Executive Director Dawn Maynard. “The weekend starts on Thursday with a free concert called Sunset Jam, featuring Steven Owens and the Summertime Band.”

The concert will take place at Goldston’s Beach from 6 to 9 p.m. No coolers are allowed, but tents and lawn chairs are welcome, according to Maynard. The event is free and is being sponsored by Southeastern Health, R.A. Jeffreys, and the Chamber.

Following the concert, the annual sidewalk sale will be taking place in downtown Elizabethtown through the holiday on Monday.

“I always want to encourage folks to shop local,” Maynard stressed.

On Monday around dark, the annual fireworks display will take place at Goldston’s Beach.

“What’s unique about enjoying the fireworks at White Lake for the Fourth of July is, with the lake being circular, guests have a front row seat to everything; there’s not a bad seat anywhere,” said Maynard. “In addition, the community usually ends our fireworks display with their own displays, which makes the celebration last even longer.”

Maynard did have one word of caution.

“Please stay safe,” she stressed. “A lot of accidents happen with fireworks, and we want to encourage parents to supervise children when participating in festivities this holiday. Please take precautions.”

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Other area celebrations

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— Lumberton Community Relations presents the Family Fourth Celebration on Friday, July 1, which will include local entertainment, a free-fall parachute team demonstration, and fireworks at Lumberton High. Gates open at 6 p.m., entertainment begins at 7:30 p.m., and the fireworks display will start at 9:30 p.m. For more information, call 910-671-3869.

— The 29th annual Columbus County Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration, hosted by the Greater Tabor City Chamber of Commerce, will take place Saturday, July 2, at 6:30 p.m. at South Columbus High School.

— The Fourth of July at Royal Lane Park will take place in Clinton on Monday, July 4. The pool will be open at 12:30 p.m., music and contests will begin at 3 p.m., and fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. Food vendors will be available.

— Fort Bragg’s festivities, which will take place on Monday, July 4, include musical acts such as Cheap Trick, parachute free-fall demonstrations, its popular flag ceremony, food, and fireworks. The event is free and open to the public. More information, including a schedule of the day’s events, is available online.

— The North Carolina Symphony will celebrate America’s 240th birthday with a concert of patriotic favorites and high-spirited classics in its annual free Independence Day concert, with fireworks, at Fayetteville’s Festival Park, Friday, July 1, at 8 p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m. Kids of all ages are invited to visit the North Carolina Symphony’s popular Instrument Zoo to play and learn about symphony instruments.

— Bay Tree Lakes in Harrells will hold its annual fireworks on Saturday, July 2, starting at about dark.

Chrysta Carroll can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.

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By Chrysta Carroll

ccarroll@civitasmedia.com