Local News - July 2003

‘Celebrate Freedom’ activities set for Friday

Published July 2, 2003

By ALICE SMITH, LTN Staff Writer

Free train rides, a huge fireworks display and a keynote address from a local man currently stationed at the Pentagon will all be part of Lincoln County’s July 4 celebration this year.

The theme of this year’s event is Celebrate Freedom, Honor America.

Friday’s fun starts with free train rides on the Little Bloo Choo from 5 to 7:45 p.m. on the courtsquare.

Children’s activities will also take place on the courtsquare and will kick off at 6:30 p.m. Kids can compete in marble shooting, bubble blowing, hula-hooping and hopscotch contests. Face-painting, one of the event’s most popular activities, will also be available.

This year’s parade will start at the Lincoln Cultural Center and proceed down to the Lincolnton High School football stadium.

Parade entries will be judged for prizes in Most Creative, Best Family and Most Patriotic.

At the culmination of the parade at LHS, a short program will be held at around 9:15 p.m.

This year’s keynote speaker is Maj. Charles “Ched” Beam, who is serving in the U.S. Air Force at the Pentagon.

Beam is a 1985 LHS graduate. His higher education includes a bachelor of science from The Citadel, a master of science from N.C. State University, a master of air mobility from the Air Force Institute of Technology and a master of arts from the Naval War College.

A highly decorated senior navigator, Beam has more than 3,200 flying hours.

Fireworks will light up the night sky at 9:35 p.m.

Other highlights of the night’s ceremonies include “God Bless the U.S.A.” sung by Daphne Ingram and a memorial for departed veterans. Ed House will play “Taps”.

The July 4 celebration is made possible by funds from both city and county governments, WLON/ Piedmont Superstations and the Lincoln Times-News.

The following people have worked on the July 4 committee this year: Jeff Emory, Donna Flowers, Dale Punch, Bobby Huitt, Jerry Cochrane, Stan Kiser, Fred Houser, Steve Peeler, Brad Guth, Dean Abernathy, Ken Kindley, Tina Tindall, Vickie Abernathy, John Barkley, Jim Mayhew, Ed House, Madeline Elmore, J.C. Rudisill, David Caudle, Bill Hoffman, Clyde Johnson and George Baxter.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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