People who grow up in Faith, NC have a strong sense of patriotism as do residents from many rural Southern communities. For generations, members of the little town located outside of Charlotte have proudly waved American flags and taken pride in being residents of the United States.
Early Days of the Festival
Community and family gatherings for the 4th of July date back to the early 1900s when Faith was incorporated, and the festival to celebrate Independence Day became official in 1920, but hard economic times and a World War put a damper on things. Starting in 1946, the festival became a yearly event which has continued to grow over the years.
Small Town Fun – Still Today
The Faith 4th of July celebration remains truly small town, although the festival now draws huge crowds. Community civic groups plan and work the festival. These include the Faith Civitans, Faith American Legion Post 327, Faith American Legion Auxiliary 327, and the Faith Jaycees. The men and women work all year to make sure the event is a success, and the volunteer groups use the proceeds from the festival to fund local projects including scholarships for kids in the community.
Friends, neighbors, and relatives representing the various local groups spend the entire week smoking and grilling Southern treats like pork shoulders, hamburgers, and hot dogs. And, country ham is, of course, one of the favorite food items at the festival. You’ll also find typical carnival fare like buttered corn on the cob, funnel cakes, and snow cones.
There are rides for the kids like blow up slides, tilt-a-whirls, and swings. And, there are also old fashioned games like sack races and a watermelon eating contest.
Different groups provide music throughout the week, and the event now includes a Faith Idol contest where locals (and visitors) can compete.
The big day of the Faith 4th festival is, of course, on the 4th of July. The day begins with a huge parade. People from the town decorate with flags and patriotic signs down the main street. Following the parade, kids can buy special wrist bands for a full day of fun at the Faith Legion Park and on the Faith Elementary grounds. The evening ends with fireworks.
The Year the President Came to Town
If you want to start up a conversation at the festival or when visiting the town, just ask any of the older residents of Faith about 1992. That was the year President George Bush stopped by to play ball, eat lunch, and give a speech. That’s a huge score for a town of 600 people and something that continues to be a point of pride years later.
Thinking About Celebrating the 4th in Faith, NC?
If you’re looking for a down home day to celebrate the 4th of July, then be sure to check out the Faith 4th web page. You’ll get all the details, including the schedule of nightly events. Be sure to dress comfortably and wear shoes that don’t pinch. You might want to toss in some lawn chairs or an old blanket, so you can rest under a shade tree. And, be sure to show up hungry. It’s hard to decide what to eat with some many yummy foods to pick from.
Cyndi Allison - Southern born and fed, Cyndi Allison is a college lecturer and newspaper advisor as well as being a freelance writer. She writes on ...
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