Fireworks, wagon rides through Rich Park, kiddie train rides, kiddie pedal tractor races, antique tractors, a ladies frying pan toss, and even a lawn mower parade are part of the weekend activities as our nation celebrates its 240th birthday. Our community has activities planned that are filled with fun for all ages! There are many free and exciting events for everyone to enjoy.
Free Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Extravaganza – Saturday, July 2nd at Rich Park
A full day of fun activities for you and your family begins at 10 am. Enjoy inflatables, kids’ activities, family activities, live music and a fireworks extravaganza at Rich Park. The Davie Family YMCA will host events for kids beginning at 6 pm. Parking is $5 per car beginning at 5:00 pm. You may walk in for free and parking will be available behind the Brock Gym. Fireworks will begin at 9:30 pm.
Free Event – 17th Annual Tractor & Engine & Show Parade
All day Friday and Saturday – The weekend will be full of the sights and sounds of yesteryear at the 17thAnnual PAPA Antique Tractor and Engine show. Again, this event is free and boasts antique tractors, farm equipment, and a host of vendors. Step back in time this Independence Day weekend and celebrate the heritage of Davie County with this event which runs Friday and Saturday. PAPA stands for Piedmont Antique Power Association, Inc. This non-profit group exists to assist charitable organizations in the community. The annual tractor parade through historic downtown Mocksville is a celebration of North Carolina’s rich farming heritage and a celebration of the great American spirit of Independence with a tribute to our military veterans.
There are wagon rides through Rich Park and kiddie train rides on both days. Friday promises fun with antique displays, bingo games ($5 entry fee for cow patty bingo), tractor pulls, live music, and various other activities. Saturday begins with a parade of tractors through historic Downtown Mocksville at 10am. After the parade, there will be a kiddie pedal pull, auction sale, raffle in which someone will win a tractor or prize money! Here is a list of activities to enjoy:
Friday Events:
7:00 am – Gates open to the public – No entrance fee
All day – Tractors, Hit & Miss engines and farm equipment on display
Farm equipment demonstrations throughout the day
Afternoon and Evening events:
Kiddie train rides
Kiddie pedal tractor race
Tractor skill events
Wheelbarrow race
Ladies frying pan toss
Wagon rides through Rich Park
Cow pattie bingo ($5.00 entry fee)
6:30 pm – Live Music
Saturday Events:
7:00 am – Gates open to public – No entrance fee
All day – Tractors, Hit & Miss engines and farm equipment on display
Morning events:
7:00 am – Gates open to public – No entrance fee
All day – Tractors, Hit & Miss engines and farm equipment on display
9:00 am – Tractors begin to line-up for the parade through downtown Mocksville
10:00 am – Parade begins through Mocksville
11:00 am – Kiddie pedal pull registration
11:30 am – Kiddie pedal pull
Afternoon events:
12:30 pm – Auction of consigned and donated items
Tractor skill events
Cow pattie bingo ($5.00 entry fee)
Wagon rides through Rich Park
3:00 pm – Kiddie train rides
Raffle drawing for tractor or prize money
The Mocksville Masonic Lodge will have food for sale both days. PAPA will be selling ice cream.
For more information contact Piedmont Antique Power Association, Arthur Bostick 336.414.7834.
Free Event ~ Lawn mower Parade with Free Ice Cream and Watermelon- Monday, July 4th in Cooleemee
Since the 1990s, Cooleemee has honored Independence Day with a lawn mower parade that begins at Cooleemee School. Anyone can participate by lining up a patriotically decorated lawn mower, float, car, bicycle or pet by 9:30 AM. The parade begins at 10am.
This year’s parade will have a musical flair thanks to the bluegrass stylings of MJ & Friends (Mona Jo Griffin) whose float will stop along the route for a little “pickin’ and grinnin’”. The group will also play from the porch of the Zachary House following the parade.
Judges will be in the crowd and there will be prizes to win at the parade’s end on the Zachary House grounds. Bring your lawn chair and view the parade along Marginal Street.
Following the parade, guests will enjoy free watermelon and ice cream under the arbor. Kids will enjoy a large water slide and water games. The youth from First Baptist Church of Cooleemee will be selling hot dogs and cold drinks at the Cook Shack. The July 4th activities are sponsored by the Town of Cooleemee.