Fourth of July Arrives Early in Wilmington

This year’s Fourth of July celebration will look a bit different in Wilmington. But it will still be a festive week on Town Common.

Due to the ongoing construction at the high school, there will be no carnival this year. Instead, the festivities will be centered around the regular family activities with some new additions as well.

“I think we’ve always attempted to put the focus on a family-centered celebration,” said Fourth of July organizer Scott Garrant. “I firmly believe the celebration is near and dear to man people and that they will come out and celebrate with their friends, neighbors, and family.”

Garrant said there were many adjustments along the way during the last year as committee members were forced to change on the fly in planning this year’s celebration. It wasn’t until April that it became official there would be no carnival.

Money from the carnival normally pays for Wilmington’s two fireworks displays, which are the most expensive aspect of the town’s annual events. Having no carnival will not have a financial impact this year, but may in the future.

“For 2013 that has not impacted us,” said Garrant. “The last several years we were very conservative in our spending and are very fortunate to have the support of local businesses. Going forward remains very much up in the air.”

But those thoughts will be on the backburner for now as residents instead prepare for the excitement of this year’s Fourth of July week, which kicks off on Tuesday.

At 6 p.m. the Rotary hosts a BBQ dinner that includes chicken, pork ribs, potato salad and more for $8 per person. Also happening throughout the night is a horseshoe tournament, wiffle ball, a limbo contest and more.

More highlights through the upcoming week include a new event on Wednesday as contests will eat their way through the blueberry pie eating contest at 7 p.m. On Thursday, which is the Fourth of July, there is a long list of Family Day activities leading up to the night’s fireworks.

Friday features the hospital bed races at 7 p.m. and Saturday closes out the week with the “Spectacular Fireworks Display.”

Rather than on the high school tennis courts like in years past, non-profit vendors will be set up this year on the Swain School green where the Wilmington Farmer’s Market normally sets up on Sundays.

Click here to see the complete schedule of events, and for the Family Day schedule click here.

“The biggest intent was to attract folks to come down and support community groups,” said Garrant. “The biggest thing is people coming together as a community to celebrate.”