Harrisburg expands July 4th celebration
Photographer Mike Anderson captured this patriotic bunch watching the Harrisburg Fourth of July Parade in 2024.
Harrisburg is preparing for its largest annual celebration, with two days of entertainment, carnival rides, family games, food vendors, live music and fireworks returning to Harrisburg Park on Friday and Saturday, July 3-4.
The celebration will feature 19 amusement rides, midway games, more than 20 food vendors and nightly entertainment capped by fireworks. A Fleetwood Mac tribute band, The Chain, is among the featured performers, according to promotional materials released by the town.
This year's event includes a new admission system designed to improve safety by managing attendance. Town officials say tickets and wristbands will help ensure the venue remains within a safe capacity. The annual July 4 parade, however, remains free and does not require a ticket.
Residents who live within Harrisburg town limits may receive free admission and ride wristbands by presenting a government-issued ID at Town Hall before noon on July 3. Non-residents must purchase wristbands, and the event will be cashless at ticket locations, with credit and debit cards accepted. Some food vendors may still accept cash.
The town also reminds attendees that anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older. The celebration will be alcohol-, tobaccoand vape-free, with no pets, electric bikes or large coolers permitted.
On Independence Day morning, Harrisburg's annual parade will begin at 9 a.m. along N.C. 49, starting near Captain Steve's and traveling north to Robinson Avenue. The parade will feature floats, tractors, trailers, marching bands and military tributes. Officials also plan to livestream the parade on the town's YouTube channel for those unable to attend in person.
Families visiting Harrisburg Park can expect a full midway featuring rides for all ages, including the Carousel, Pirate Ship, Sizzler, Gondola Wheel, Way-out Swing, Spinner, Helicopters and Glass House. Carnival games will include Balloon Pop, Duck Pond, Fishy Game, Long-Range Basketball, Ring A Bottle and Water Race.
Residents interested in receiving event updates can subscribe to the town's July 4 Celebration newsletter through the town of Harrisburg website.
Harrisburg July 3-4 Celebration Schedule
Friday, July 3 – Harrisburg Park
4 p.m. — Gates open; amusement rides, carnival games, food vendors and commercial vendors begin.
5:30 p.m. — Envision performs.
7 p.m. — Mayor's Welcome and SKYWARD: The Story of America patriotic presentation.
8 p.m. — The Chain: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute takes the stage.
9:30 p.m. — Fireworks finale.
10 p.m. — Event closes.
Saturday, July 4
9 a.m. — Annual Harrisburg July 4 Parade begins on N.C. 49, starting near Captain Steve's and ending at Robinson Avenue. The parade features floats, tractors, marching bands and military tributes.
4 p.m. — Festival gates open at Harrisburg Park with rides, games, food and vendors.
5:15 p.m. — Vegas McGraw: The No. 1 Tim McGraw Tribute performs.
6:45 p.m. — Mayor's Welcome and SKYWARD: The Story of America.
8 p.m. — Pandora's Box: The Ultimate Aerosmith Tribute performs.
9:30 p.m. — Fireworks finale.
10 p.m. — Celebration concludes.
Featured amusement rides
■„ Berry Go Round
■„ Barrels
■„ Carousel
■„ Flying Saucer
■„ Fun Slide
■„ Glass House
■„ Gondola Wheel
■„ Helicopters
■„ Jungle House
■„ Loop O Plane
■„ Pirate Ship
■„ Rio Grande
■„ Rock O Plane
■„ Sizzler
■„ Spin Master
■„ Spinner
■„ Tractors
■„ Wally Train
■„ Wayout Swing
■„ Carnival games
■„ Balloon Pop
■„ Duck Pond
■„ Fishy Game
■„ Long-Range Basketball
■„ Ring A Bottle
■„ Water Race
