FAITH — The Faith Fourth of July celebration kicked off Saturday with an annual street dance as the town tips its hat to patriotism and tradition.

The days leading up to Independence Day bring food, fun and music for all, beginning Friday and running through July 4. Each day is packed with favorite local performers, community activities and, of course, the beloved rides of the fair, located on the grounds of Faith Elementary School.

“It’s good family fun,” said Randall Barger, chairman of the Faith Fourth of July Committee.

Barger, a Faith native, has been on the committee since 1975 and is passionate about his town, his country and Faith Fourth.

“I grew up here, and you have to really love (Faith Fourth) to spend as much time as many people do down here,” he said.

Fair booths and rides will open at 6 p.m. Friday. Local celebrity Darrell Harwood will perform at 7:30 p.m.

On Saturday, celebrations will begin at 1 p.m. Guests can purchase a $25 armband that will be good all day. The fairgrounds will open at 6 p.m., and the Faith Idol competition will begin at the same time. The Blackwater Rhythm and Blues band will perform at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday’s activities kick off at 3:30 p.m. with a performance by Rowan Big Band at Faith Baptist Church. A patriotic program will be held at 5 p.m. just as fairgrounds open for the day. The Entertainers will perform at 7:30 p.m.

Fairgrounds open at 6 p.m. July 2 with $2 ride tickets all night. The Embers band will perform at 7:30 p.m.

Booths and rides open at 6 p.m. July 3, with a performance by Tonez at 7:30 p.m.

Celebrations will start early on July 4. The nationally known Faith Fourth of July Parade will make its way down Main Street beginning at 10 a.m. Daisy Bost is this year’s grand marshal.

Immediately following the parade, there will be a flag raising and singing of the national anthem in the park. A committee will crown the 2018 Miss Rowan County Veteran.

The fairgrounds will open at 10 a.m. July 4, and guests can purchase an all-day armband for $25. Faith Idol finals will begin at 7 p.m., along with races, games, an egg toss and a watermelon-eating contest. The band Too Much Sylvia will perform at 8 p.m. The town’s fireworks show begins at 10:30 p.m.

“It’s just good wholesome fun,” Barger said.

The Faith Fourth of July celebration is sponsored by the Faith Civitans, Jaycees, American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary. All proceeds from the festival go to benefit worthy causes in the Faith community and surrounding area, according to the town.

Discount armbands can be purchased online at the Faith Fourth website through Thursday, Barger said. For more information, visit www.faith4th.com.

Contact reporter Rebecca Rider at 704-797-4264.