Happenings around town for the holiday weekend
A little girl plays at last year’s naturalization ceremony at Harmony Hall. This year’s ceremony is at 9 a.m. on Thursday. Photo by Linda Whittington / Neuse News
A color guard unit presents the American flag at last year’s naturalization ceremony at Harmony Hall. This year’s ceremony is at 9 a.m. on Thursday. Photo by Linda Whittington / Neuse News
It’s almost time to celebrate the nation’s Independence. As Americans gather together with family, friends and neighbors over the long weekend, there are plenty of festivities in Kinston to keep you cheering on the red, white and blue.
An annual naturalization ceremony to induct new American citizens will be held Thursday at 9 a.m., on the grounds of Harmony Hall, 109 E. King St., Kinston. The general public is welcome to attend the free event; they should bring a lawn chair, as seating will be limited and reserved for candidates and their families and guests
Lions Water Adventure will be hosting a pool party from noon — Thursday at 4 p.m.; it will feature a disc jockey and costumed characters to entertain the children. The water park will be open from 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. with a cost of $10 during the day and $8 after 5 p.m.
Pride of Kinston is hosting Summerfest, a music and fireworks extravaganza at Pearson Park in downtown Kinston. The rock band Trainwreck will entertain crowds from 7–9 p.m., with fireworks capping off the evening. The Kinston/Lenoir County Parks and Recreation Department is partnering with Pride of Kinston for the fireworks which will be sent into the air from Neuseway Nature Park. The event is free and open to the public
The Kinston Community Center will be open Thursday and throughout the weekend, offering workout classes in kickboxing, Zumba and cycling among the other regularly scheduled events
The Pepsi Splash Pad at Fairfield Park will be open from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and from 1–5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $1 per person
As a friendly reminder, the Down East Wood Ducks will be on the road from Thursday through Tuesday, and will return Wednesday, July 10, to take on the Lynchburg Hillcats at 7 p.m. at Historic Grainger Stadium. The Wood Ducks will host an Independence Celebration for fans after their 7 p.m. game today as they take on Winston-Salem
Many of your favorite restaurants will be open and serving during the holiday weekend. Check each location or their social media pages for hours and times.
And lastly, enjoy the outdoors. Venture to the Neuseway Nature Park and Neuse River, tour the CSS Neuse, go for a jog down Heritage and Queen Streets, take the family pet to the Rotary Dog Park or simply explore the town at your leisure.
Neuse News Editor Bryan Hanks contributed to this report.
