NC Banks Life
Celebrating Independence Day in Belhaven
Belhaven, North Carolina, a charming waterfront town and the birthplace of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, is renowned for hosting the oldest annual Independence Day celebration in the state. This past July of 2024 marked the 82nd consecutive year of this time-honored tradition, where the entire community comes together to celebrate the birth of our nation in grand style. From its humble beginnings to what has now become a week-long extravaganza, Belhaven’s 4th of July celebration is a testament to the town’s enduring spirit and love for the red, white, and blue.
This year, the festivities were nothing short of spectacular. The town buzzed with excitement as the streets filled with locals and visitors alike, all eager to partake in the wide array of activities. The celebration featured live music, thrilling helicopter rides that offered breathtaking aerial views of the festivities, and the annual Miss Independence pageant, which added a touch of elegance to the week as contestants vied for the coveted title amidst cheers and applause.
A unique highlight of this year’s celebration was the Little Patriot Parade where the youngest members of the community had their time to shine. Children paraded through the streets in battery-operated vehicles and decorated wagons, showcasing their patriotic spirit in the most adorable way. The sight of these little patriots proudly driving their mini cars and pulling their festively adorned wagons was a heartwarming reminder of the day’s significance and the importance of passing on these traditions to the next generation.
Adding to the excitement was the annual Hot Dog Eating Contest, which drew both participants and spectators in droves. Contestants lined up to see who could consume the most hot dogs in a set time, with the crowd cheering them on in a lively display of community spirit. The contest was fierce, fun, and delicious, serving as a perfect example of the lighthearted competition that characterizes the Belhaven 4th of July celebration.
Belhaven’s historic celebration isn’t just about the past; it’s a living tradition that continues to grow. Each year, new attractions are added, and this year was no exception. The amusement rides brought joy to the young and young at heart, while a diverse selection of vendors and food trucks ensured that no one went hungry. The week culminated in a massive fireworks display that lit up the night sky, reflecting off the waters of the Pungo River and leaving everyone in awe. And to bring the festivities to a close, the streets of Belhaven came alive with a lively street dance, where residents and visitors alike danced the night away in a final celebration of community and country.
However, the highlight of the celebration, as always, was the 4th of July parade. This year’s parade was a vibrant display of creativity, patriotism, and community spirit, and Sandpiper Realty Group was thrilled to be a part of it. Our team put a lot of effort into creating a float that not only represented our brand but also captured the joy and excitement of the holiday.
Sandpiper Realty Group’s Award-Winning Parade Float
We are beyond proud to share that Sandpiper Realty Group won 1st place in this year’s parade float contest! Our float was designed to be both fun and refreshing—perfect for a hot summer day in July. The centerpiece was a sparkling swimming pool, complete with a cascading fountain that provided a cool oasis amidst the summer heat. Surrounding the pool were bright, cheerful rubber ducks that brought smiles to the faces of both kids and adults. But the fun didn’t stop there!
As our float made its way down the parade route, we made sure to spread the joy. We tossed out popsicles, candy, and of course, our signature rubber ducks to the excited crowd. And what’s a summer parade without a little water fun? Our team armed themselves with water guns, adding an extra splash of excitement by playfully squirting water at the parade-goers. It was a hit, and the crowd loved every moment of it!
The energy was contagious, and it was clear that our float was one of the highlights of the parade. The combination of refreshing water, sweet treats, and playful interactions made our entry stand out, and we were thrilled to see the community respond with such enthusiasm. Winning 1st place was the cherry on top of an already incredible day, and we couldn’t be more grateful to everyone who cheered us on.
Reflecting on a Memorable Celebration
As we look back on the 82nd Annual Belhaven 4th of July Celebration, we can’t help but feel a deep sense of pride—not just for our win, but for the opportunity to be part of such a special community event. Belhaven’s Independence Day celebration is more than just a series of events; it’s a reflection of the town’s heart and soul, where tradition meets community, and where memories are made year after year.
At Sandpiper Realty Group, we believe in the importance of community, and participating in this celebration allows us to connect with our neighbors in a meaningful way. We are honored to have been part of this year’s festivities and are already looking forward to next year, where we’ll aim to bring even more fun and creativity to the parade. As always, Sandpiper Realty Group is here to help with all your real estate needs—whether you’re looking to buy, sell, need property management services, or just want some friendly advice. Let’s keep the spirit of community alive all year round!
We hope to see you out there next year!
Terry + Charlie Dickinson
North Carolina Banks Real Estate Agents
The Rich Company | DRE 331276 + 331205
