Despite Planning Challenges, Wilmington Set for Fourth of July Festivities

There was much discussion over the fall and winter months on what Wilmington's Fourth of July celebration would look like this year compared to previous years. Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, the answer is it will look a lot like it has in the past, just with a partial venue change.

The Fourth of July Committee recently posted the complete schedule for the festivities, which will shift between Town Common and Shriners Auditorium and will include a fireworks display.

On Wednesday, July 2, the multi-day celebration begins on Town Common. Among the events that day will be a Rotary sponsored dinner, a road race, horseshoes, wiffleball, a pie eating contest, music by Bailout, and a free movie starting at 8:45 p.m.

Things shift to Shriners on Fordham Road on Thursday, July 3, and there will be a carnival with a special deal of unlimited rides from 6-11 p.m. at the cost of $25 or $20 with a coupon.

Family Day is Friday, July 4, and it will feature activities on Town Common and at Shriners.

The Town Common events take place in the morning hours and conclude at 12:30 p.m. They include a Knights of Columbus breakfast, music provided by Travel'n DJ Sounds, opening ceremonies at 9:15 a.m. and Wilmington Community Fund's lunch from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Throughout the morning there will also be a long list of family-friendly activities. For a complete Family Day scheduled, click here.

When the venue shifts to Shriners, there will be a carnival special from 12-5 p.m., regular price carnival rides from 5-11 p.m., and a performance by Run Johnny Run from 6-9:30 p.m.

Festivities conclude on Saturday, July 5, with a the carnival running from 12-11 p.m., Chamber of Commerce strawberry shortcakes at 4 p.m., a Kiwanis Club dinner at 5 p.m., opening ceremonies at 7:30 p.m. and a performance by the Windham Community Band from 7:45-9:30 p.m.

At 9:30 p.m., the "Spectacular Fireworks" display begins, with a rain date of Sunday, July 6.

For a complete schedule of all of this year's Fourth of July activities, visit the Fun on the Fourth website.