City of Southport kicks off North Carolina 4th of July Festival

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — The City of Southport has kicked off yet another 4th of July Festival.

The 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit has made its yearly stop in Southport. Its a high-tech, 83-ft tractor trailer which transforms into a 1,000 sqft exhibit to educate people about the event of September 11th, 2001. Its operated by the Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation, which was started by the Siller family to honor and carry on the legacy of their brother Stephen, who was a New York City Firefighter who lost his life.

The exhibit features artifacts from the Twin Towers, the New York City Fire Department, and historical information about the event. It will open Saturday at 10AM on East Nash Street and will remain there until the 4th of July.

The exhibit will be just one part of a very big North Carolina 4th of July Festival events happening in Southport and Oak Island. Hundreds of residents gathered this evening at the Fort Johnston-Southport Museum to kickoff the celebration. The Declaration of Independence was read and there was music from the 440th Army Band. Southport resident Grace Heck sang the national anthem and said she always enjoys this time of year in her hometown.

“Oh, it’s a beautiful celebration. It’s growing up, it was always a thing to see your friends growing up from school, you give them a hug, you tell them happy 4th of July. So, its a good time with family and friends.”

A full list of events for the weekend and next can be found here.