Antique tractors, lawnmowers, free watermelon, fireworks: Davie County is getting ready to celebrate the country’s Independence Day with some good, old-fashioned fun.

Activities start on Friday with the annual tractor show sponsored by the Piedmont Antique Power Association at the Masonic Picnic Grounds off North Main Street in Mocksville.

The free show will be open all day on Friday, June 30, and Saturday morning before and after the 10 a.m. parade through Downtown Mocksville. Expect to see more than 100 machines in the parade.

There will be food sold by Masonic lodges, a bounce house, bingo and country music on Friday evening, games including a kiddie pedal race pull and a women’s pedal pull. There will be hayrides and “train” rides through Rich Park.

Rich Park Celebration

Activities continue on Saturday evening, when the Davie County Recreation & Parks Department is making plans to celebrate the holiday with a bang.

The 2017 Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Extravaganza is slated for Saturday, July 1 at Rich Park and the Davie Family YMCA track and soccer complex. Festivities kick off at 6 p.m. on Mando Field with a live performance by Trial by Fire, a Journey tribute band.

“We are excited to feature Trial By Fire, Tribute to Journey for our 2017 Independence Day Celebration,” said recreation and parks director, Paul Moore. “Over the years Journey has produced 19 top 40 singles, 25 gold and 15 certified platinum albums. Trial By Fire will surely rock your dancing feet and have you singing ‘Any Way You Want It’.”

In addition to live music until 8:15, the free family event will feature food and non-food vendors, activities for children, and will culminate with an 800-shell fireworks display. The show is best viewed from the YMCA track and soccer complex, Mando Field, and throughout Rich Park.

“We encourage families to load up, come early, find your spot, be safe and enjoy all of the great Independence Day Celebration festivities. Let our patriotic hearts beat red, white and blue,” said Moore.

The rain date for the fireworks show is July 2. For the most up-to-date information about the 2017 Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Extravaganza, check out the Davie County Recreation & Parks website, or follow them on Facebook.

4th In Cooleemee

Cooleemee will hold its annual parade and Independence Day celebration on Tuesday, July 4.

All entrants are eligible for the free parade, which will start at the elementary school and travel through the streets of town. Decorate your lawnmower, bicycle, float, golf cart or whatever you wish in a patriotic theme and join in the fun. Winners will receive prizes.

Then head to the town’s recreation center for free watermelon, ice cream, a 16-foot inflatable water slide, water games, a watermelon seed spitting contest, gospel singing, greasy pole climb and a DJ providing music. The VFW will sell hotdogs, chips and drinks.

Vendor and yard sale booths will also be open.