FAITH — Faith Fourth of July activities will culminate today with a full day of family-friendly fun.

Considered one of the biggest Fourth of July celebrations in the state, the multiday selection of patriotic activities has been sponsored by the town since 1946.

After five days of rides, food booths and nightly concerts, today’s grand finale will begin with a mile-and-a-half-long parade.

The grand marshal is Daisy Bost, who will start a parade featuring local public officials, beauty queens, cloggers, veterans, local businesses and more.

Adhering to tradition, members of Faith Baptist Church will hand out thousands of water bottles to paradegoers starting at 8:30 a.m.

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. A flag raising and singing of the national anthem — led by Neil Wilkerson — will follow. And a new Miss Rowan County Veteran will be crowned.

Buddy Poole will be the master of ceremonies.

Rides will open as the parade begins at 10 a.m. All-day armbands for unlimited rides are $25 each.

Rides include the Alpine Bobs, Berry Go Round, Carousel, Dragon Wheel, Giant Wheel, Jumping Star, Lolly Swings, Mardi Gras, Orbiter, Pirate, Scooter, Silly Safari, Sizzler, Starship 4000, Super Slide, Tea Cups, Up, Up and Away, and Zombie Apocalypse.

Taking the main stage this evening will be the “Faith Idol” finals at 7 p.m., followed by the night’s headliner, the band Too Much Sylvia, at 8 p.m.

Those looking for a friendly competition can head over to Faith School Ballpark for races, games, a watermelon-eating contest and egg toss starting at 7 p.m.

The Hot Dog Shack will sponsor a hot dog eating contest at 9:30 p.m. in the ballpark, an hour before the night’s final celebration: the annual fireworks display, sponsored by Miller Davis Agency.

Proceeds from the festival benefit worthy causes in the Faith community and surrounding area, including the Faith Civitan Club, Faith Jaycees, Faith American Legion and Faith Legion Auxiliary.