For nearly seven decades, Faith’s Fourth of July celebration has brought together friends, family and the community.

For many, it’s a tradition that’s been in their families for generations, like Gloria Wilhelm and Randall Barger.

“I’ve been involved probably since I was 14-years-old,” Wilhelm said, adding that she used to help her mother and grandmother wrap sandwiches for the festivities.

“Now I order the food for the week,” she said.

Barger said his grandfather was one of the original Faith Fourth of July organizers.

“It’s a family tradition for me,” he said.

Barger added that it’s still a family affair. His father and brothers are deeply involved in the annual celebration.

The Faith Fourth of July celebration is run by a 12-member board comprised of three representatives from each of four organizations – Faith Jaycees, Faith Civitan Club, Faith American Legion and Faith Legion Auxiliary.

“Patriotism is real big in those organizations,” Wilhelm said. “We’re very supportive of our American independence.”

“We decorate the town in red, white and blue,” she added.

The eight-day festival is comprised of rides, food, a Miss Rowan County Veteran pageant, Faith Idol, rides, games, bands including Too Much Sylvia and The Embers band and, of course, a parade.

“So many celebrations are just one-day celebrations or weekend celebrations,” Wilhelm said, explaining why Faith’s celebration is unique.

“It’s a good family atmosphere,” Barger said.

The festival draws in people from out of town, he added.

“It’s supported by more than Rowan County,” Barger said.

The celebration isn’t just fun, it’s for a good cause, too.

It’s a big fundraiser for church groups, Boy Scouts, Carson’s band and other community organizations.

“It’s really a community effort,” Barger said, adding that it’s rewarding knowing that all the funds raised go to help people.

 

69th Faith Fourth of July celebration

Friday, June 26

6 p.m.: Food booths and rides open

7:30 p.m.: “Extraordinaires” performance

Saturday, June 27

1-5 p.m.: Matinee, $20 armband for rides

6 p.m.: Food booths and rides open

7:30 p.m.: “Exit 54” performance

Sunday, June 28

3:30 p.m.: Rowan Big Band at Faith Baptist Church

5 p.m.: Patriotic Program at Faith Baptist Church

6 p.m.: Food booths and rides open, $20 armband

7:30 p.m.: Praise Grass Band performance

Monday, June 29 

6 p.m.: Food booths and rides open – dollar night, all rides $1

7:30 p.m.: “The Embers” performance

8:30 p.m.: Faith Idol Competition for contestants 12 and under

9:30 p.m.: “The Embers” performance

Tuesday, June 30

6 p.m.: Food booths and rides open

7:30 p.m.: “Too Much Sylvia” performance

8:30 p.m.: Faith Idol Competition for juniors

9:30 p.m.: “Too Much Sylvia”

Wednesday, July 1

6 p.m.: Food booths and rides open – Food Lion Arm Band Night, $12 armband with two cans of food for Main Street Mission

7:30 p.m.: “Band of Oz” performance – Bring two cans of food

8:30 p.m.: Faith Idol Competition for seniors

9:30 p.m.: “Band of Oz” performance

Thursday, July 2

6 p.m.: Food booths and rides open

7:30 p.m.:  “Swashtones” performance

Friday, July 3  

6 p.m.: Food booths and rides open

7:30 p.m.: “Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot” performance

Saturday, July 4 Independence Day Celebration

10 a.m.: Parade

After parade: Flag raising, National Anthem and  crowning of Miss Rowan County Veteran

12 p.m.-5 p.m.: Rides open – Armband $20

7 p.m.: Faith Idol finals

7 p.m.: Races, games, watermelon eating contest, egg toss at Faith Elementary School ballpark

8 p.m.: “Southern Breeze Band” performance

More and Sonny’s Camp-N-Travel

9:30 p.m. Hot dog eating contest (Faith School ballpark)

10 p.m. Video – Salute to Our Veterans

10:30 p.m. Fireworks (Faith School ballpark)