The City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department in collaboration with the North Carolina State Fairgrounds presents the 2009 July 4th Celebration on Saturday, July 4th at the NC State Fairgrounds. Admission, parking, and activities are free of charge.

This year’s activities are provided by Raleigh Parks and Recreation beginning at 5:00 pm and ending at 8:30 pm. Activities include sports, Independence Day Hat-Making activity, arts, dance instruction, Nature Program, Adventure Program, Taiko Japanese drumming performance, Holiday Express expo, Raleigh Police & Fire displays, Dorton Arena’s giant obstacle course, Design a Park activity, Wii games, contests, scavenger hunt and bingo. The “Got to be NC Watermelon Cutting” provided by NC Watermelon Association will begin at 5 pm at the July 4th Celebration and continue while supplies last.

The grand scale fireworks show will start at 9:15 pm. Food vendors will be on-site.

All activities are held rain or shine on July 4th from 5:00 pm-8:30 pm. In the event of inclement weather on July 4th, only the fireworks will be held on July 5th at 9:15 pm.

Accessible parking and general public parking is available in Gate 4 & Gates 9. Free parking in Fairgrounds lots near Gate 9 Trinity Road and Gate 4 Youth Center Road. Handicap parking access through Gate 9 on Trinity Road.

Pets are not allowed inside the event area. No alcohol and no coolers allowed.