As the summer heat and humidity roll into the area, so do entertainment trucks and amusement rides. Businesses and families will spend the next week preparing floats for a parade for the upcoming 54th annual Oakboro Fourth of July Celebration beginning next week.
The Oakboro Fourth of July Celebration is a six-day long celebration filled with beauty pageants, contests, vendors, rides, amusements, music, and lots of family fun.
Parking and most activities are free with the only exception for amusements and rides requiring tickets or on specific nights, armbands for $15.
The annual parade has a variety of floats and participants from old trucks and tractors to Shriners and kids groups. Anyone wanting to be in the parade can line up at W. 11th Street no later than 8:30 am.  You don’t have to register to be in the parade, and there are no qualifications. Just show up!
“If you want to come and celebrate the Fourth of July, we’ll put you in line,” said Barry Smith, a coordinator for the event.
Want a chance to win $1,000 cash prize? A raffle drawing will be held Wednesday, July 4. The first place is $1,000, second place is a surveillance camera package donated by Custom Electronics valued at $800, third prize is a $500 gift certificate donated by Oakboro Tractor and Equipment, Inc, fourth place is a $250 gift certificate donated by Beanie’s Firearms (must be 21-years old to redeem toward firearm purchase), fifth place is $150 off of a purchase of four tires donated by Roger’s Auto Service, and sixth place is a Chain Hoist donated by Tol-Co, Inc. Raffle tickets are $1 donation.
Another free and “hot” event fit for the whole family is the Firefighter Competitions: Quick Dress, Hose-N-Play, Busted Hose, and Firefighters Duel.
A new aspect to this year’s events is the music performances every night. The bands performing are local and regional bands.
“Years past we’ve only done live music on three nights. We’re going to have live music every night this year,” said Smith. “I personally think it’s the music that draws out the biggest crowds. People get out and shag and line dance.”
The Oakboro Fourth of July coordinators have a large line up of events fit for the whole family. From dancing and live music to rides and amusements, the whole family is sure to have a fun time this year.

Click here for a complete schedule of events.