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Harrisburg festival celebrates freedom
Photo by James Nix
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Published: July 4, 2009
HARRISBURG - Philip Elmore grew up in Harrisburg when it was a one-stoplight town. He remembers the comforts of small town living, and the sense of community that goes along with it.
Even as thousands of people lined up along N.C. 49 Saturday morning for the town's 12th annual Fourth of July parade, Elmore was reminded – despite the crowd around him – that there's just something special about small town life.
Now a Navy representative, Elmore shared a the moment of small town Americana with his 3-year-old daughter, Isabella.
"It means a lot that people can come out and enjoy the day," Elmore said. "A town like Harrisburg is very supportive. For me to walk with my daughter in the parade, with everyone cheering for the military, it means a lot."
While there was no shortage of entertainment for the more than 40,000 expected over the course of the three-day festival – from rides and amusements to musical acts and fireworks – everyone came together for a greater purpose, said Harrisburg mayor Tim Hagler.
"If we forget what the founding fathers did for this country, we're going to have tough times ahead," he said.
"I think people in the region want to celebrate what our founding fathers created for us – liberty and freedom. They want to shake off the stress of the day to day, check it at the door and come here and enjoy time with the family."
It's also about honoring the men and women who have served the country bravely, some even giving their lives, in the name of freedom, Hagler said. Images of Arlington National Cemetery and the many white crosses that dot its landscape always come to mind, he added.
"It is a glimpse of the price we've had to pay," he said. "The sacrifices that people have made that keep us enjoying the freedoms we have today, we will never know."
Current and former military members were honored throughout the day. Many along the parade route stood and clapped as various military groups taking part in the parade passed by. At midday, service men and women were honored in a special ceremony. Event organizers encouraged participants to express their appreciation throughout the day.
For Foster Hughes, director Harrisburg's Parks & Recreation department, the event was a huge success.
"I was very impressed with the crowds that came out," he said. "I've heard the numbers that between 30,000 and 50,000 come out. Once it got dark, this place filed up.
"Our main goal is to make sure people come in and have a good time, and I think they have."
Hughes, who took on the duties of planning the festival for this first time this year, said the success was due in large part of the collaborative effort of volunteers and staff who have working on and planned the event for several months.
"Everyone has worked well on those behind-the-scenes things that people don't really think about," he said.
With his first successful Fourth of July event now behind him, Hughes is already looking forward to next year.
"We've already started planning," he said.
Contact Jonathan E. Coleman: 704-789-9105.
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