A Pike Road 4th
06/27
Pike Road ready to celebrate the Fourth
Pike Road’s upcoming Fourth of July celebration is another example of the town showing its patriotic bent.
A colorful parade starts the day that ends with a beautiful fireworks display over the lake at The Waters. The day’s theme is ‘United We Stand.’ Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. in front of the newly-renovated school, located at 4710 Pike Road. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m.
“I think that our parade is a perfect example of small town America, and it’s something that’s kind of disappearing,” said Julie Livingston of the Pike Road Community Club. The Community Club’s Fourth of July Parade is itself a tradition nearly half a century old. “We had around 65 groups of participants (in 2017), whether on floats, walking, in cars or golf carts, and more. We actually chose the theme last year, and continued this year because we all need to come together and realize that we’re more alike than different – we’re all Americans.”
Members of The Pike Road Community Club organize and run the Fourth of July Parade as a free community event. The Community Club has monthly socials, and is a great way to get to know more of your neighbors and more about Pike Road, she added.
In the past, the parade has begun at the Pike Road Baptist Church, located at the corner of Pike and Flinn roads. The parking lot of the recently-renovated Pike Road Historic School provides the perfect space to line up floats before this year’s edition of the parade, Livingston said.
The parade route will follow Pike Road to Meriwether, turn right, and end at The Feed Lot on Meriwether Road. Awards will be given out at The Feed Lot directly after the precession concludes.
Winners will be awarded in several categories including floats, specialty or antique vehicles, small motorized objects, such as golf carts, bikes and of course, horses.
“In the past, we have seen a range of participants from horseback riders to families in antique cars, some children decorate their bicycles, and more,” she said.
Popular Summerfest follows the parade, and will take place at The Waters across town.
“The end of the parade is not the end of the celebration,” said Turner Waddell, communications specialist with Pike Road. “Stop for lunch, then grab your lawn chairs, pack your coolers and head over to The Waters for Summerfest.”
Summerfest is a delightful combination of good food, music, games, and fireworks, all available in the beautiful setting of The Waters. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., and the fun begins at 5 p.m. The cost is $10 per vehicle. Music will be provided by Brandon Self.
“Settle in the shade, enjoy fresh food from the local Sweet Creek Farm Market, and relax to the sounds of Brandon Self until the sun sets. Then, it’s fireworks time!” Waddell said.
Summerfest is fun for all ages. For children, there is often a pickup sporting game, a little dancing, and a game of ‘red light, green light,’ Waddell said.
“After running around all afternoon, Nancy’s Italian Ice provides the perfect refresher,” Waddell said. “The Town of Pike Road’s SummerFest Celebration provides a relaxed atmosphere for neighbors and friends to come together in celebration, in the beautiful setting of The Waters neighborhood.”
SweetCreek Farm Market, Nancy’s Italian Ice, and H2O Café and Market at the Waters, will be all be open for business. Lawn chairs and picnic blankets are encouraged, and coolers are allowed, Waddell said.
More than 2,000 people are expected at SummerFest, following an estimated attendance of 2,500 in 2017, Livingston said.
“One of the things that makes it so fun is that our guests come from across the River Region, not just from the Town of Pike Road, to enjoy an afternoon of fun together,” Livingston said. “It’s all about coming together as a community, enjoying time with family and friends, and celebrating our country’s independence.”
Self will be providing what Livingston described as a mix of blues, southern rock, and country. “His unique sound coupled with crowd-pleasing musical favorites, is sure to provide a great background for our celebration,” she said.
Livingston thanked The Waters for hosting the gathering. “Their beautiful Square provides the perfect place to gather, and the fireworks over Lake Cameron are an unbelievable sight,” she said.
Pike Road Mayor Gordon Stone said the sacrifices thousands have made is remembered by those who enjoy the festivities.
“Summer Fest is an event that truly exemplifies the Pike Road spirit,” Stone said. “It is an old-fashioned, fun opportunity for families to gather and celebrate the birth of this nation. We are proud to host this celebration each year and be able to showcase our spirit of hospitality and honor those who have helped make our town, state, and nation a special place to live.”
