By Josh Bergeron

josh.bergeron@salisburypost.com

FAITH — Drops of rain dampened the faithful, but it didn’t stop them from attending the town’s annual Fourth of July celebration.

Saturday was the second day of Faith’s 2015 celebration. The town has been hosting its July 4 celebration since 1946 and annually draws thousands over a one-week period that culminates with a parade and fireworks on America’s birthday.

Most of the attendees at Saturday’s events said they’d come to at least once before to the carnival that precedes Faith’s Fourth of July celebration. Salisbury native Steve Corriher, however, was in the midst of his first Faith Fourth of July experience. Corriher, an Army veteran, was working a dart game on Saturday. He said the children rushing around the fairgrounds reminded him of his childhood fair experiences.

With drops of rain falling, the carnival attendees weren’t subject to lines, and groups of children and teenagers darted to their favorite rides and tested out others.

Triplets Emily, Jason and Anthony Euart tried out a merry-go-round of sorts. Instead of horses, the ride features miniature cars. The triplets lounged in the cars, occasionally casting a glance back at their mom, who was nearby,  smiling and waving back.

“I really enjoy seeing them smile and their faces light up,” said Sarah Euart, who is from Salsibury.

Sarah Euart remarked that an attraction with a ball pit seemed to be the triplets favorite.

“It’s a struggle just to get them out,” she joked.

Others took to rides that were a bit faster paced than the triplets’ choice.

Jacob Walker, Summer Walker and Korbin Hill started out with a ride on the Scrambler. The ride tossed the trio about in the Scrambler’s customary zig zag motion.. Summer Walker remarked that it was her favorite ride so far. Her brother Jacob Walker said he was more excited about the fireworks scheduled for the culmination of the week-long celebration on July 4.

The Faith Fourth of July celebration continues today, starting at 3:30 p.m., when the Rowan Big Band from Faith Baptist Church plays. Food booths and rides are scheduled to open at 6 p.m.

The remaining schedule for the week is:

• Food booths and Rides open at 6 p.m. on Monday, which is dollar night. All rides are $1. The Embers band plays at 7:30 p.m. on Monday and the Faith Idol competition, for children 12 and under — starts at 8:30 p.m.

• Food booths and rides open at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. The band Too Much Sylvia will play at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, and Faith Idol for the Juniors Category starts at 8:30 p.m.

• Food booths and Rides open at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Armbands will be $12 if two cans of food are brought for donation to Main Street Mission. The Band of Oz will play at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, and the Faith Idol Competition for the Seniors Category will be at 8:30 p.m.

• Food booths and rides open at 6 p.m. on Thursday. The band Swashtones will play at 7:30 p.m.

• Food booths and rides open at 6 p.m. on Friday. Gary Lowder and Smokin’ Hot will play at 7:30 p.m.

• The Faith Fourth of July Parade will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4.

Rides open at noon on Saturday. The Faith Idol finals will be at 7 p.m.

Various games and races will start at 7 p.m. at the Faith School Ballpark.

The Southern Breeze Band will play at 8 p.m.

A hot dog eating contest will be at 9:30 p.m.

A salute to military veterans will start at 10 p.m., and fireworks will start at 10:30 p.m.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.