How did you choose to celebrate the anniversary of our nation’s independence?

Whether it was a day on the water, attending a neighborhood event, watching fireworks or simply relaxing at home, Roanoke-Chowan area residents enjoyed various activities on July 4th.

Locally, the most noteworthy event was the Town of Ahoskie’s fireworks show. With a huge crowd fanned out over the grounds of Hertford County High School, heads turned skyward around 9:15 p.m. to catch a beautiful display of fireworks. The throng of spectators at the high school were treated to free grilled hot dogs, compliments of the Town of Ahoskie.

With crystal clear skies overhead, anchored by a near-full moon, the fireworks show was visible outside the Ahoskie area….as far away as the St. John and Proctor’s Store communities. There, families gathered on their respective lawns to gaze at the colorful explosions of light.

Others chose to spend time on the water on July 4th. Information supplied to the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald noted that the Chowan, Cashie and Meherrin rivers were busy with boat traffic on Saturday. Some enjoyed a simple leisurely ride on the local waterways; others participated in water sports – most notably skiing, knee-boarding, wake-boarding and swimming.

Cheryl’s Girls Relay for Life team hosted a patriotic-themed boat parade on the Chowan River. Entries made their way from Tuscarora Beach to the Winton bridge and back.

Within local neighborhoods, the Pierce family hosted their annual Bicycle parade and cookout in Ahoskie. Beginning with just a handful of neighborhood children, this event has grown over the years to the point where the streets in and around western Pembroke Avenue are packed with the young, and the young at heart.

A ride down any road in the Roanoke-Chowan area would resemble “Picnic Alley.” The tell-tale sign of smoke billowing from a grill was noted at many residences where families and friends gathered for an old-fashioned cook-out, complete with the staples of the summer season – corn-on-the-cob, juicy watermelon and home-churned ice cream.