Annual Golf Cart Parade returns to Hatteras Village on July 4

Celebrating its 11th year in 2024, the annual Golf Cart Parade will be brightening the streets of Hatteras Village on Thursday, July 4, at 6:00 p.m.

The yearly event began in 2013 as a fundraiser for the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation and attracted less than a dozen carts that were decked out in patriotic themes. Once it became clear that the parade was a hit with both locals and visitors, the event became an annual celebration, with more and more folks participating in decked-out golf carts of all varieties.

2023’s parade attracted around 50 golf cart participants, even though the event was delayed by a day because of inclement weather.

“What happened last year was that we had a thunderstorm roll in on the 4th, late, and we rescheduled for the 5th,” said parade organizer Karla Jarvis.

“A bunch of folks couldn’t participate [on the 5th] because they rented for that day, and had to turn in their cart rentals. But we ended up still having about 50 carts. So, I do expect this year’s to be bigger – crossing our fingers that we have decent weather.”

The parade will begin in southern Hatteras Village, close to Teach’s Lair Marina, and will cruise through the village and down N.C. Highway 12.

There will also be a free, village cookout at the Community Building from 5:30-7:30 p.m., so visitors can come out, get a burger or hot dog, and watch the parade from the cookout’s central Hatteras location. (Parade winners will be announced at the cookout as well.)

The rules are lax for entering and enjoying the parade. Anyone who has a cart and a dose of creativity is welcome to join in the fun, and spectators are encouraged to head to Hatteras to cheer on their favorites.

To sign up as an entry in the 4th of July parade, click here. 

For more information on upcoming Hatteras Village events, visit http://www.hatterasonmymind.com/ or the community’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HatterasVillage/.