Where can you watch a free, spectacular fireworks show; enjoy free activities like a water-ballon toss, sack races and Wii gaming; hear local bands for free and eat free N.C. watermelon, all in one day? It’s all at the State Fairgrounds this Sunday for the 2010 July 4th Celebration, presented by the City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department and the N.C. State Fair.
Gates open at 5 p.m. and activities will run until 8:30 p.m. in the Jim Graham Building and Expo Center. The fireworks display starts at 9:15 p.m.
There will be kid-friendly sports challenges, craft activities such as constructing paper airplanes and hats, carnival-style games and military vehicles on display. Food and drink vendors will be on site and the Raleigh Flea Market will remain open until 7 p.m.
The N.C. Watermelon Association will provide 150 melons, 50 more than last year, picked from Jackson Farming Co. in Autryville for the Got to Be NC watermelon-cutting event. Samples will be distributed outside the Expo Center starting at 5 p.m.
It looks like the weather on Sunday should be beautiful and dry, but in case of inclement weather all indoor activities will still take place on July 4th, but the fireworks will be held on Monday, July 5 at 9 p.m.
There’s free admission and parking. No pets, alcohol or coolers will be allowed in the July 4th activity area.