In the village of Pinehurst, it was a day for dogs, cats and any other animals capable of being in a parade with their owners. The animals showed their patriotic pride.
The awards in the Pet Parade ranged from “Most Patriotic” to “Most Hip Cat” (also known as the “What’s New, Pussycat?” award). The award for “Looks Most Like Owner” went to Jamie Wark and Pali the Hula Dog, who really did hula.
The village followed its parade of pets with a more traditional parade, complete with appearances by Uncle Sam and a group of bicycles so elaborately decorated with streamers and balloons that any cyclist would be envious.
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| The Veterans of Foreign Wars float in Carthage. |
Other afternoon festivities included a patriotic sing-along, a flag raising, a watermelon seed-spitting contest and a talent show.
“It went terrific,” said Sherry Mortenson, who was on hand helping to organize the events. “We had a bigger turnout for the pets, the parade and the contests. We will have to expand next year.”
In Aberdeen, the activities kicked off with the traditional morning parade that featured the Pinecrest High School Marching Band, floats from area businesses and Miss Moore County.
The fun moved to Aberdeen Lake Park, where the activities lasted all day. There was a youth fishing derby, free pony rides, a rock-climbing wall and local bands performing throughout the afternoon.
“Everything is great,” said Warren Murphy who was visiting from Garner for the holiday. “Of course, my age group didn’t have anything to bounce on. But we could eat — and that we did. There is some great food out here.”
Scott Vang, 10, said his favorite activity was “the dunking booth, where I dunked a girl.” The girl was Lisa Mace, Young Miss North Carolina, who volunteered to be plunged into the water to raise money for the Masonic Children’s Home.
Aberdeen’s celebration had good weather and a good turnout, said Dana Hughes of the Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Department.
“There are more activities and kids than last year,” she said. “It’s a little bigger and better, and there is more for people to do and see.”
Carthage held its 66th annual Fourth of July parade. Thomas Purcell, 8, said his favorite part was the candy. Handfuls of the sweet stuff flew off every float that made its way along the route.
The parade featured the Union Pines High School Marching Band, Veterans of Foreign Wars and what seemed to onlookers like every fire truck between Southern Pines and Robbins.
In Whispering Pines, residents grabbed lawn chairs and sat in their yards to watch the Fourth of July Golf Cart Parade pass by their front doors. The carts were decorated in patriotic splendor with streamers, balloons and signs. The parade also featured antique cars and area firefighting equipment.
The fireworks in Aberdeen and Pinehurst went on as scheduled, even though Mother Nature tried to provide some of her own. Spectators at both events “oohed” and “ahhed” at the colorful displays of light.
Intermingled with the fun and festivities were some thoughts about the meaning of the celebration.
“Today I think of the guys who didn’t make it back,” said Cedolm Odom Jr., a Vietnam veteran who represented Disabled American Veterans at the Aberdeen celebration. “They did not go to the war to fight for the individual; they went to fight for God and country.
“There have been a lot of men and women who have given their lives for this country. They have made the ultimate sacrifice for the independence people are celebrating today.”
