The holiday weekend at the fairgrounds kicks off today with the start of the NCHJA Annual Hunter Jumper Show at the Hunt Horse Complex. Horses will compete for thousands of dollars in prize money, and the show will feature a variety of special events open to the public. Visitors will have the chance to pet ponies, watch 
a blacksmith at work and browse the offerings at a silent auction.
Frank Cox Productions will host its second Gem & Jewelry Show of the summer Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the Scott Building. The diverse offerings for show and sale will include gems, jewelry, crystals, beads, rare minerals, giant sharks teeth and fossils.
Monday, the Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department will commemorate America’s 235th birthday with its annual Fourth of July Celebration. The event will feature live music throughout the evening and include sports challenges, jumbo games and mini-golf among other activities. As a special treat the N.C. Watermelon Association will host the “Got to Be NC Watermelon Cutting” and give away free watermelon slices from 5 p.m. while supplies last. Other activities start at 5:30 p.m. and fireworks will grace the skies at 9:45 p.m. Admission, parking and activities are free.
The Raleigh Flea Market will also be open as usual on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. With more than 600 vendors to choose from, it’s never too early to start shopping for the winter holiday season!
