From fireworks to cruises, here's how Onslow residents can celebrate the Fourth of July

With summer in full swing, Onslow County residents are looking forward to lighting up the sky and devouring hot dogs on this year's Fourth of July holiday.

The Fourth of July is a holiday commemorating the day of the Declaration of Independence and the birthday of the United States. With the summer of 2022 being arguably the most normal in three years, Onslow is sure to deliver on holiday festivities.

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With Onslow's summer heat sure to make it a hot one, here's how residents can celebrate the holiday.

Onslow County Freedom Festival

Onslow County Parks and Recreation will be holding the 38th annual Onslow County Freedom Festival on the Fourth of July at Onslow Pines Park, starting at 3 p.m.

The event will include live music, a kids zone, and food trucks. The North Tower Band will play at 4 p.m., followed by Darius Mitchell and The Professionals at 7 p.m. After filling your belly with local cuisine and dancing your heart out, grab your blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the fireworks show at 9 p.m.

More: Onslow food trucks and where to find them: From BBQ to cheesesteaks to funnel cakes 

Food trucks will range from Pelicans Snoballs to R&L Hot Dogs and Fried Cookie Dough.

For more information, visit Onslow Parks and Recreation's Facebook page, or call 910-347-5332.

Surf City Independence Day Celebration

The Town of Surf City is holding its third annual Independence Day Celebration on Sunday, July 3 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The event will take place at 517 Roland Avenue.

The celebration, like Onslow's Freedom Festival, will feature live music from The Embers featuring Craig Woolard, food trucks and a 9 p.m. fireworks show.

For more information, visit the Surf City Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Facebook page.

Everclear at The Limelight

The Limelight in Jacksonville, formerly the Tarheel Opry House, will host the band everclear, featuring Fastball and The Nixons on Saturday, July 2nd.

Everclear is an American rock band formed in Portland, Oregon in 1991. The band is coming to Jacksonville to support its 30th-anniversary tour.

Aaron Flahardy with The Limelight said the new venue is veteran owned, and they look to bring "Amazing national concerts back to Jacksonville."

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit The Lime Light's website, Facebook page, or call 910-347-4731.

Fourth of July Cruise and Fireworks

Swansboro's Lady Swan Boat Tours will be holding a Fourth of July cruise on the holiday weekend at the Fish House Docks.

According to its Facebook page, Lady Swan's Captain Tim has 30-plus years experience on the water. He and his crew take groups and/or individuals on their US Coast Guard inspected vessels to 'enjoy some of the most beautiful places on the Crystal Coast.'

On the Fourth of July, from 7:30-9:30 p.m., Lady Swan will celebrate Independence Day with a two-hour cruise. The cruise will view a "gorgeous sunset" and then watch the fireworks display from "a great vantage point on the waterfront of Swansboro."

On Sunday, July 3, from 7:30-9:30 p.m., Carteret County will hold its Independence Day fireworks during a two-hour cruise at Mac Daddy's.

"We will enjoy a gorgeous Crystal Coast sunset and then head down the waterway to watch the sky light up during the Western Carteret County fireworks display," the Facebook event states. "Grab some friends, your favorite beverage and snacks and come celebrate with us."

For more information, or to purchase tickets for either event, visit Lady Swan Boat Tours' Facebook page, or call 910-325-1200.

Angry Ginger's Fourth of July Party

Although the Angry Ginger will have its kitchen closed on July 4, in order to allow employees to spend time with family. However, it will be opening the bar at 9:30 p.m.

According to its Facebook page, it'll serve whatever you'd like to end your holiday.

For more information, visit the Angry Ginger Facebook page, or call 910-333-9198.

Young Adults 4th of July Hangout

River of Life Church, located at 2460 Gum Branch Road in Jacksonville, will hold a young adults Fourth of July hangout on Sunday, July 3, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For those 18 and older, and graduated from high school to 35 years old, River of Life hopes to see you at their Fourth of July young adults event. Its Facebook page says there will be food, inflatables, games, and more at the free event.

For more information, visit River of Life's website, Facebook page, or call 910-346-1114.

Swansboro Fourth of July Music

The Town of Swansboro usually holds a July 4 fireworks display, however the vendor's warehouse fire in Lenoir County has forced them to cancel.

However, music by The Tams will still be held from 6-10 p.m. on the holiday.

For more information, call the Town of Swansboro at 910-326-4428, or visit its Facebook page.

Reporter Morgan Starling can be reached at mstarling@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on The Daily News: Onslow-area events to check out for the July 4th holiday