Ocracoke Island Independence Day Celebration

Tuesday, July 2

7:00 pm: Pre-fireworks gathering Ocracoke Island deejay Tommy Hutcherson will spin dance tunes and patriotic songs at the NPS docks.

9:15 pm: Fireworks by Pyrotecnico will be launched from the large National Park Service parking area at the southern end of the island.

The NPS parking lot will be closed all day July 2 for display setup.

Wednesday, July 3

3:00pm to 6:00 p.m. Fundraising Fish Fry for OPS at the Island Inn Commons.

7:00 to 8:30 p.m.: Old fashioned Ocracoke Square Dance: in the Berkley

Barn with Molasses Creek. Charge at the door: $5 for adults 13 and over.

Thursday, July 4

9:30 am – Noon: 43rd Annual Sand Sculpture Contest at the NPS Lifeguard Beach.

10:00 to 12:30 pm and 1:30 – 4:30: Ocracoke Lighthouse open. The lighthouse is open for viewing the inside. No climbing. Islander Chester Lynn will be there

to talk.

4 pm: Old Time Independence Day Parade

Theme: Old Tyme Ocracoke

All are welcome to enter the parade to vie for Best Walk & Roll, Best Wheels, Best Float, Best Theme and Best in Show. Entry forms available at post office. Sign up starts at 2:30 pm at Old Beach Road. Parade starts at Old Beach Road and ends at NPS docks. The Hyde County Sheriff’s Office admonishes spectators not to throw water of any kind at the parade members, and no political themes. 

5:30 pm: Awards presentation: Parade & Sculpture Contest winners; Books to Be Red stage. BYO seating.

6:00 pm: Fundraising cookout at the United Methodist Church

7 to 10 pm: Community Beach Fire under the Stars at the Ocracoke Day Use Area/NPS Lifeguard Beach. BYO beach blankets, chairs,

marshmallows, and roasting sticks.