The Daily Southerner, Tarboro, NC

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  • A 20-minute Fourth of July firework display in Tarboro Wednesday night was given an arousing applause after its grand finale by the hundreds of spectators that watched. (Staff Photos John Walker/Calvin Adkins)

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  • Macclesfield celebrated the holiday with a festival before their fire work display. These two girls are waiting for the swing ride to get started in Macclesfield. (Staff Photos John Walker/Calvin Adkins)

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  • Devin Anderson, 6, of Macclesfield, does his best to make his way up the climbing wall at Macclesfield Fourth of July festival Wednesday. (Staff Photos John Walker/Calvin Adkins)

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  • Fireworks in Tarboro lasted approximately 20 minutes. (Staff Photos John Walker/Calvin Adkins)

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July 5, 2012

A BLAST

Edgecombe celebrates July 4th

John H. Walker and Miranda Baines THE DAILY SOUTHERNER

TARBORO — Afternoon thunder, followed by brisk winds and a peppering rain brought a break to Independence Day’s sweltering heat, allowing thousands in Tarboro and Macclesfield to gather to watch fireworks.

Temperatures neared the century mark before the storms hit about 5 p.m., worrying some that there might be a repeat of Sunday’s power outages. That was not the case, however, and the celebrations went on as planned.

It Tarboro, it was about family fun.

That was the atmosphere at Tarboro’s Fourth of July fireworks display.  Folks young and old camped out at the Tarboro High School and mall and fast food parking lots to watch the fireworks light up the sky in celebration of America’s independence.

Hope Foreman said she “thoroughly enjoyed” watching this year’s fireworks show with four generations of family members.

“It’s a family tradition with my mom and my dad, my kids and my grandkids,” she said. “I’ve got five grandkids out here and they’ve been here every year since they were born.”

Tiffany Mitchell of Scotland Neck called July 4 a “family day,” as she watched the Tarboro fireworks display with her family — Roberta Little and Jontae Little.

“It’s something for the kids, for the grownups, for the older people,” said Mitchell, of the fireworks display. She said she felt safe in the environment at this year’s show because she saw police officers patrolling the area.

Mitchell described her favorite firework as one with “different colors that looks like it’s coming toward you.”

For Bayleigh Pate of Nash County, the best firework of the night was “the smiley face.”

Allen Taylor and Jonathan Keel viewed the fireworks show with their extended family.

“We’ve lived in Tarboro all our life, so we’ve always been coming here,” said Taylor. “Last year, it was disappointing when they didn’t have them.” (Last year’s fireworks show was canceled because of budget cuts.)

    Keel and Taylor agreed that having the fireworks display helps Tarboro’s economy.

“With everybody coming here, the businesses get the support,” said Keel.

The Taco Bell and McDonald’s drive-through lines stayed busy throughout the fireworks show. Other vendors set up on the grassy area in front of the mall parking lot. Among the vendors was Ted Williamson, owner of Salt & Light Concessions. He sold county fair-style fare such as funnel cakes, corn dogs, fresh-made lemonade and deep-fried Snickers.

“We were glad to see it [the fireworks show] back this year,” said Williamson. He was happy with the business at Wednesday night’s fireworks display.

Fredda Taylor also said she’s glad the Town of Tarboro brought back the Independence Day fireworks display.

“Usually the fireworks are pretty good here. It’s one of the better things we have here,” she said. “It’s good for the kids, it’s good for family.”

In Macclesfield, the traditional family spirit of the community celebration wasn’t dampened by a thunderstorm that moved through the area, although everyone enjoyed the 20-degree temperature drop.

“This is great,” said Robert Smith of Wilson. “It was brutal earlier.”

Smith said he was new to the area and a co-worker was talking about the Macclesfield celebration, so he decided to come check it out.

“It’s absolutely, positively small town,” he said, adding, “Folks is smaller towns seem to appreciate life more.”

The crowd was slow to gather, but by 7 p.m. there was a steady stream of people walking from various spots in the community as well as an increase in traffic and people looked for places to park.

Backyard Groove, a band playing oldies rock and soul as well as some newer music, kept the growing crowd entertained while the Macclesfield Volunteer Fire Department sold hamburgers and hot dogs, French fries, soft drinks and snow cones.

There were also those in attendance, like Teri and Melani Stanfield of Rocky Mount, who brought a pizza and found a spot under the gazebo where they could eat and listen to the music.

While the swings were a favorite among the rides provided by Abrams, there was a steady stream at the climbing wall, as well, with Amber Hill of Rocky Mount tackling it early and 6-year-old Devin Anderson of Macclesfield giving it a try later in the evening.

Macclesfield’s celebration got under way with the raising of the flag and Pledge of Allegiance by Cub Scout Pack No. 961 and the national anthem by Cassie Dunn.

Through the evening there were also 50/50 drawings — the first for $100 at 7:30, followed by a $200 drawing at 8:30 and a $1,000 drawing after the fireworks at 9:30.

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Pay-Dirt.jpg

Barrett Flowe, of Midland, drives Pay Dirt during the 2012 Pinetops 300. He and many others will be on hand this weekend at the annual tractor and truck pull.

  • PINETOPS 300

    PINETOPS  — One thing’s for certain, the first-time attendee at the Pinetops 300 truck and tractor pull will learn something in a hurry … these are not your Daddy and Grandaddy’s tractors!
    Some of the best known and most successful pullers in the country will converge School Street here tonight and Saturday to vie for honors in the longest running not-for-profit tractor pull in the Southeastern United States.

    May 17, 2013 1 Photo

  • Happening in Tarboro Saturday
  • Parents and educators meet on school events and initiatives
Local News
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The National Transportation Safety Board wants all 50 states to lower the blood alcohol content level to 0.05.

Sports
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Six Tarboro Viking track stars are going to compete in the NCHSAA 2-A state championship meet Friday in Greensboro at NC A&T State University.

  • Six Tarboro girls to compete in track finals

    Motivation is a big part of the Tarboro Viking girl's track team's success this season. They enjoy working hard during practice for their coach Rickie Dozier and get fulfillment when they compete in events. Friday will be no different for the six girls that are headed to Greensboro to compete in the NCHSAA 2-A state championship meet at North Carolina A&T State University. They will compete in three relay events and the long jump.

    May 16, 2013 2 Photos

  • BIG FISH
Opinion
  • We Salute...

    Each Friday, The Daily Southerner will recognize individuals, groups and businesses in Edgecombe County who have gone “above and beyond” in their effort to make this a better place to work, play and raise a family.

    May 17, 2013

Lifestyles
  • 5246-WED-Corbett.jpg Corbett/Chasse Wedding

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Obituaries Archives
Food
Events
  • Edgecombe Events May 17

    Edgecombe Events should be submitted by noon the day before publication. Items eligible include notices of local meetings and activities of non-profit organizations, clubs, schools and civic groups in the community. Information should be brief and typewritten, neatly printed or via e-mail. Questions? 823-3106 or e-mail: events@dailysoutherner.com. Leave  a daytime contact phone number.

    May 17, 2013

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Tarboro's 2012 Christmas Parade


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