Ocracoke Island kicks off the 4th of July holiday with fireworks show over Silver Lake Harbor
Ocracoke was the brightest spot to be on the Outer Banks on Sunday night, as the island kicked off its 4th of July holiday with a fireworks display over Silver Lake Harbor, launched from the National Park Service parking area at the southern end of the island.
Hundreds of residents and visitors caught the show from boats and viewing points all along the harbor, and the festivities continue on Monday with an old-fashioned Ocracoke square dance, followed by a wave of activities on Tuesday, including the annual Sandcastle Content, and the Independence Day Parade.
A full list of events on Ocracoke Island through July 4 is listed below.
Monday, July 3
- 6:30-8:30 p.m. Old fashioned Ocracoke square dance in the Berkley Barn with Molasses Creek. $5 for those 13 and over.
Tuesday, July 4:
- 9:30 a.m.–Noon: Sand Sculpture Contest for all ages at the NPS Lifeguard Beach. Sign-up starts at 8:30 a.m.
- 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Ocracoke Lighthouse open for viewing. No climbing. Islander Chester Lynn will talk between 10:30 and 12:30.
- 4:00 p.m.: Old Time Independence Day Parade. Theme: The 200th anniversary of the Ocracoke lighthouse. Awards for best in show, walk & roll, wheels, float, and best theme. Sign-up starts at 3 pm across from Wheelie Fun Golf Carts, Irvin Garrish Hwy. & Old Beach Road. The parade starts at 4 p.m. at Wheelie Fun; ends at NPS parking lot.
The Hyde County Sheriff’s Department admonishes spectators not to throw water of any kind at the parade members. - 5:30 p.m.: Singing of national anthem & awards presentation for parade & sculpture contest winners; Books to Be Red stage. BYO seating.
- 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.: Community Beach Fire under the stars at NPS Lifeguard Beach. BYO chairs. You are welcome to bring marshmallows to roast. Please pack in and Pack out.
Independence Day activities are sponsored by the Ocracoke Occupancy Tax Board, Hyde County, and the Ocracoke Civic & Business Association.
