Two Roanoke-Chowan area towns have planned celebrations, complete with fireworks, in honor of our nation’s independence.

Windsor and Ahoskie will both host events later this week.

Featuring a variety of events, Windsor’s annual 3rd of July on the Cashie will be held Thursday at the Roanoke-Cashie River Center. That event features the band “SideKicks” and a great display of fireworks.

Free to the public, the Windsor event kicks off at 7 p.m. Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. Patrons are urged to bring lawn chairs.

The Bertie County YMCA will sell refreshments while the Bertie County Humane Society will host a fundraiser featuring gourds and t-shirts. The Bertie County Arts Council will have a July 4th memorabilia display.

The event is sponsored by the Town of Windsor, Roanoke-Cashie River Center, Bertie County Arts Council, YMCA and the Windsor-Bertie Chamber of Commerce.

Ahoskie’s Independence Day salute will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 4 at Hertford County High School.

Sponsored by the Town of Ahoskie, the event will feature free hot dogs (as long as they last). Soft drinks can be purchased for a small fee.

The Ahoskie fireworks display, launched from the Hertford County High School baseball field, is expected to get underway at around 9:15 p.m.