Independence Day is just around the corner, and events for the whole family will be held across the entire county in celebration! Come out with family and friends to these exciting events!

Mocksville Independence Summer Concert and Fireworks

With two live bands, food trucks, and the largest pyrotechnic firework show in the region, the Independence Day Celebration at Davie County Community Park will be a spectacular way to celebrate our nation’s independence! 

“It’s exciting to carry on an Independence Celebration tradition that’s been a part of Davie County since July 3, 1976,” said Mercedes Barr, marketing & special events coordinator. “We cannot wait to see everyone having a blast with their family and friends this Saturday, July 1^st, at the Park!”

When: Saturday, July 1st,  6 – 10 p.m.
Where: 151 Southwood Drive, Mocksville

“It’s exciting to carry on an Independence Celebration tradition that’s been a part of Davie County since July 3, 1976,” said Mercedes Barr, marketing & special events coordinator. “We cannot wait to see everyone having a blast with their family and friends this Saturday, July 1^st at the Davie County Community Park!”

The Embers featuring Craig Woodland and Springer & Cagle 

Springer & Cagle will take the amphitheater stage on the civic green at 6 p.m., followed by The Embers featuring Craig Woodland at 7:30 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own seating and are welcome to bring their own food. Vendors will also be on-site, Davie County High Band Boosters, Eric & K’s BBQ, Crazy Dog, Jason’s Italian Ice, 4 Fosters Slushies, and Scoops N More.

The Embers and Craig Woodland are known for their joyful shows that bring beach vibes to you. The Embers and Craig Woodland were awarded the Best Carolina Beach Music Award Group of the Year in 2022! As they continue to tour around the Carolinas and bring people together, we are excited to welcome them to the summer concert series in our own community. 

Springer & Cagle hail from the Queen City, also known as Charlotte, NC! Robyn Springer and Greg Cagle are known for their pop music performances. However, they aren’t limited by any type of music. Due to their love for performing, they continue to captivate their audience by keeping them guessing on their set lists. Audiences know when attending a performance by these two, they will want to be up dancing to their show! Robyn and Greg met 15 years ago and continue to thrive as an unstoppable unit. 

Fireworks will light up the sky after the concert! The show is estimated to last 20 minutes, and guests will not want to miss the spectacle! Please note that unless you are sitting inside the park, it will be difficult to view the show. 

This is a free community event, and no pre-registration is required. For the safety of guests, several rules have been put into place at Davie County Community Park. 

• All coolers and bags are subject to search. 
• The following items are prohibited:
  • No outside alcohol. Alcohol will be available for purchase
  • No weapons
  • No explosives or flammables
  • No drugs or paraphernalia
  • No pets – service animals only 
  • No drones
  • No motorized bikes or scooters 

Event entry will begin at 4 p.m. at the Southwood entrance. Overflow parking will be available across the street at DDCC and the Early College. 

For more information, click HERE or email recteam@DavieCountyNC.gov. Follow Davie County Recreation and Parks on Facebook for up-to-date announcements. 

RiverPark at Cooleemee Falls Open on July 3 & 4! 

The RiverPark at Cooleemee Falls is normally closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but will be open on Monday, July 3rd, and Tuesday, July 4th, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. in celebration of the Independence Day holiday.

Enjoy a fun-filled, refreshing day at the Bullhole! The park features an impressive stone dam, a sandy beach deposited there by a flood, and good fishing in the spring and fall.  Many bring their bathing suits to swim and “ride” the little rapids. There are scattered picnic tables and benches along its beautiful, wooded trails. The restrooms are located near the main parking area. Portages are available for canoeing and kayaking.

The holiday entrance fee is $10 per car, $5 per motorcycle, and $1 walk-in. The park is located at 645 Erwin Temple Church Rd, Woodleaf, NC, United States, North Carolina

For more information, visit the Town of Cooleemee or RiverPark at Cooleemee Falls on Facebook. 

Town of Cooleemee Lawnmower Parade & Independence Day Celebration

Join the Town of Cooleemee on Tuesday, July 4th, to celebrate Independence Day with food, activities, and the annual lawn mower parade!

When:  Tuesday, July 4th, 10 a.m. – noon. The parade lineup begins at 9 a.m.
Where:  136 Marginal Street, Cooleemee, NC 27014.

The lawn mower parade will start at Cooleemee Elementary School and end at Cooleemee Town Hall. Anyone can participate by lining up a patriotically decorated lawn mower, float, car, bicycle, or pet. Bring your lawn chair and view the parade along Marginal Street.

Drinks and hot dogs will be available for purchase. Guests are invited to enjoy free watermelon and ice pops provided at this event. A Slip-n-Slide will be set up for children of all ages to enjoy until noon, so bring your bathing suit!

To be in the parade, arrive at the school at 9:00 am to line up. No pre-registration is required, and this is a free event. For more information, contact Town Hall at 336.284.2141 or athies@cooleemee.org.

Summer Food Safety Tips from Davie County Health and Human Services

Picnics are a cherished tradition for the Independence Day holiday. Davie County Health and Humans Services has some important tips to help you enjoy your meal safely.

Outdoor eating can lead to a higher risk of foodborne illnesses if food safety is not taken seriously. In fact, it is estimated that each year, one in six people get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die from foodborne illnesses.

Factors such as time, temperature, and moisture play a major role in the growth of harmful bacteria that can lead to sickness. Hot summer temperatures and humidity provide the perfect environment for bacterial growth if food safety precautions are not followed. To prevent foodborne illnesses, there are several safety measures you can put in place and follow. Some of these include:

• Perishable food should not be left out for more than two hours*.
• In hot weather above 90 degrees (Fahrenheit), food should not be left out for more than one hour*.
  *This includes raw meat, poultry, seafood, cut-up fresh fruits and vegetables, deli meats and sandwiches, summer salads, and perishable dairy products.
• When cooking outdoors, thaw out meats before grilling.
• Keep hands and surfaces clean to avoid cross-contamination.
• Separate raw and cooked meats and ready-to-eat foods.
• Use a food thermometer to ensure meats are cooked to a safe temperature.
  (Beef, pork, lamb, and veal must reach a temperature of 145 with a three-minute resting time; Ground meats – 160; Whole, breast, or ground poultry – 165)
• Keep chilled foods in an insulated cooler filled with ice or ice packs.
  Remember, food safety is important during all seasons, but even more so during the summer months.