Fireworks over the ocean
Locals and visitors on Hatteras Island descended on Avon on Saturday night, July 4, to watch the annual fireworks display over the ocean from the beaches and from windows and decks of nearby homes and businesses.
Launched from Avon Pier, the pyrotechnics lit up the sky for miles and went off without a hitch despite the southwest winds that whipped the island with frequent gusts up to 30 mph. Luckily, for the organizers of the fireworks, the winds were blowing offshore and didn’t threaten nearby structures.
The display is funded by a grant from the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau and by donations from the island’s business community, residents, property owners, and guests.
The fireworks capped off a beach day for most folks on Hatteras. Though sharks were on the minds of many after three shark-bite incidents in less than a week on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, most didn’t let their concerns spoil the day’s festivities.
The seashore’s beaches were lined with people — locals and visitors, young and old, and many in large groups of family or friends — enjoying a sunny, but not too hot, day. Even the gusty winds didn’t discourage cookouts and plenty of games — corn hole, horseshoes, bocce ball, and beach volleyball.
Most were celebrating the Fourth on land, but some did venture into the water. On the South Beach in Frisco, the southwest wind had whipped the surf into a frenzy of whitewater, so it was hard to tell if swimmers were avoiding sharks or the rough ocean conditions.
The annual July 4th in the Village provided the entertainment in Hatteras village with an art show, games, food, an evening dance, and a golf cart parade.
That event is sponsored by the Hatteras Village Civic Association and the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW SLIDE SHOW
