Planning

If you have ever been on the island to enjoy the 4th of July festivities, you know that there are many of them! What you may not realize is how many people are involved with the planning to ensure that Independence Day will be fun-filled. I spent just a few minutes thinking about it today, and came up with a list which included half a dozen individuals and several island organizations. And I'm sure there are others I don't even know about! If you're here to enjoy the activities this year, and you know or see any of the organizers, please say thank you.

Here's what's planned for Independence Day 2008:

9 AM-FLAG RAISING CEREMONY on School Circle, School Road performed by the Ocracoke Boy Scouts

9:30 AM till Noon-ANNUAL SAND SCULPTING CONTEST at the NPS Lifeguard Beach

10 AM till Noon-OCRACOKE PONIES behind the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum

10 AM till 2 PM-CLASSIC CARS on the lawn at the Pony Island Motel Pool area

10 AM till 2 PM-OCRACOKE LIGHTHOUSE open for public viewing-WALKING SUGGESTED, VERY LIMITED PARKING

3 PM-OLD TIME OCRACOKE PARADE-must register by 6 PM July 3rd. Forms may be picked up at the Post Office or the OPS Museum

PARADE ROUTE: Line up on HWY 12 beginning at Captain Ben's Restaurant, follow HWY 12 south, left onto Lighthouse Road, right onto Creek Road, right onto Silver Lake Drive, follow road around Silver Lake Harbor to the OPS Museum.

JUDGING WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE ISLAND INN BALCONY.

AT PARADE'S END at the OPS Museum: National Anthem, Entertainment and Awards for parade entrants.

9 PM-FIREWORKS will be located behind the NCCAT Campus. The fireworks can be viewed from many areas in the village, especially around the harbor. The large parking lot by the OPS Museum will be blocked off so WALKING IS SUGGESTED.

Rain date for all events is July 5th.