Southport parade draws crowd

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — Southport had its fair share of visitors today. The parade for the annual North Carolina 4th of July Festival brought people from different parts of the state and country to celebrate America’s birthday.

This is Southport’s 39th annual festival. People come every year not only for the fun, but to remember what the holiday means to them.

“It’s a time to honor our military and celebrate our country, because we have the greatest country in the world,” Charles Lowe said.

The first recorded Independence Day celebration in Southport dates back to 1795.