If you are looking for a way to celebrate the nation’s 242^nd birthday, the Roanoke-Chowan area is the place to be.

Three local towns will host fireworks and other activities, beginning tonight (Tuesday, July 3) in Windsor.

Windsor-Bertie Chamber of Commerce Director Lewis Hoggard said the annual “Freedom Fireworks” show will take place on Tuesday at the Cashie River Center, located off US 17 Business.

Entertainment includes DJ “Mixin’ Mike” who will be playing the oldies beginning at 4 p.m., followed by the ‘Still Shakers’ Band (bluegrass) out of Greenville around 6 p.m.

There will also be food vendors.

The fireworks are scheduled to fill the night sky beginning around 9:20 p.m.

Admission is free.

The colorful pyrotechnics will go off in Ahoskie shortly after 9 p.m. on Wednesday. The location is at Hertford County High School and admission is free.

“There will be fireworks only, and they have been moved from Ahoskie Creek Park back to Hertford County High School,” according to Ahoskie PD Police Chief Troy Fitzhugh. “The other events usually associated with the town’s Fourth of July celebration will not be taking place this year.”

Northampton County will once again hold its Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular at the Cultural and Wellness Center in Jackson. This will be the eighth year the event has been held, bringing people together to celebrate Independence Day and have a good time.

“We are very excited that we’re able to bring this event for our citizens,” said Judy Collier, Director of the Northampton Chamber of Commerce which organizes and sponsors the celebration each year.

In addition to the fireworks show, which will be held at 9:15 p.m., a variety of food vendors and informational booths will be available for visitors to enjoy throughout the evening.

Food vendors will include different local churches, civic groups, nonprofit organizations, and businesses. Some groups will be offering classic dinner items such as hotdogs, sausage dogs, fish plates, barbecue sandwiches, tacos, chicken wings, French fries, and burgers. Other vendors will have desserts and snack foods like funnel cakes, ice cream, pretzels, fried desserts, cake, nachos, cotton candy, and popcorn.

“There’s something there for everybody,” Collier said. “You shouldn’t go away from there hungry.”

Informational booths will include the Northampton County Republican Party, State Employees Credit Union, State Employees Association, WIN: Women in NAACP, and the Jackson Lions Club.

Northampton County Local Government will also have their own tent set up from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for citizens to meet with department directors and learn more about what the county has to offer.

Between visiting food vendors and booths, children can also enjoy the bouncy rides that will be on the grounds at the Wellness Center.

Music will be provided by Steve Owens & Summertime, with Jay Jenkins serving as the evening’s MC.

Collier noted there will be a limited number of tables and chairs provided under a tent for people to use. But they will be on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis, so she strongly encouraged people to bring their own chairs. She also stressed that coolers will not be allowed at the event.

“We have people that come from Emporia, Hertford County, Halifax, Bertie. They come from all around to our event, and I’m really pleased about that,” she said of the multitude of people who attend the Fireworks Spectacular alongside Northampton County locals each year.

“Come on out and have a good time!” she urged.

The annual event will be held from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4. The Cultural and Wellness Center is located at 9536 NC Hwy 305, Jackson. In case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled for a later date.

For more information, contact the Northampton County Chamber of Commerce at 252-534-1383.