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Culture
Wilson celebrates 4th of July The key component of the first 1st Fridays on the Lawn set for July 4 is community collaboration. This year the city of Wilson's Human Relations Department, the Wilson Patriotism Committee and the Wilson Tobs are working together to bring the community a fun-filled event that will start in the afternoon and last well into the evening with a fireworks display. "With the price of gas these days, we know more people are choosing to spend their holiday at home," said Renee Smith, director of Human Relations. "We want Wilsonians to know there are plenty of ways to enjoy and celebrate July 4th right here in Wilson." Because of the holiday, this year's July concert will start at 3 p.m. The remaining concerts in August, September and October will begin at the usual time of 5 p.m. "We have Beddingfield JROTC lined up to present colors at the beginning of our presentation during intermission," said Eddie Price of the Wilson Patriotism Committee. The library lawn will be covered in flags and red, white and blue balloons as community members enjoy the start to this annual summer music festival. The Human Relations Commission will present flags to any Wilson citizen who is actively serving or is a veteran of the armed forces or National Guard. Individuals, or a family member, may step forward during the intermission ceremony to receive a small flag. The July concert will feature classic rock 'n' roll dance music. The opening band is Wilson's Fine Cut Band, featuring five young men in high school or early college starting at 3 p.m. The band will provide toe-tapping cover music of the great bands in American rock. Taking the stage at 4:30 p.m. will be the West Street Band from Raleigh. The rock band plays a wide variety of popular rock, dance and funk music spanning five decades. West Street is a powerhouse four-piece band merging styles of New York, New Orleans and Raleigh. The concerts will wrap up around 6:30 p.m. allowing audience members time to move over to Fleming stadium for the game starting at 7:05 p.m. A large inflatable bounce house and a water mister on the library lawn will provide entertainment for families and children. The Wilson Youth Council will hand out patriotic giveaways and balloons. Because of Nash Street road construction, Wilson Downtown Development will hold off on the horse and carriage rides until August. But the crowd favorite will be returning for the remaining three concert dates. After the downtown events end, things will get hopping at Fleming Stadium, where the Tobs will be playing. "We are proud to be the community host for the annual fireworks display," said Ben Jones, general manager for the Wilson Tobs baseball team. The fireworks are made possible by sponsorship of Thomas & Farris. The display is expected to begin around 9:15 p.m. but could be delayed if there are extra innings. "Of course, the best seats are in Fleming stadium," said Jones, who encouraged people to purchase tickets early as a packed house is expected this holiday weekend. In case of rain, the concerts will be moved downtown to the Boykin Center. Both bands will perform, and the patriotic celebration will be held. Admission will remain free. The next 1st Fridays concert will feature jazz and blues music Aug. 1 starting at 5 p.m.
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