Children smiled as they waved their little flags and picked up candy tossed from the parade participants. Families enjoyed free lunches and laughed while they played games.
“The people had a great time, and the music was amazing,” said Marylynne Winslow, president of the Southport Parks Department.
“We added the living historians to the day, and people really enjoyed talking with them. Nothing could have made the day more enjoyable. A friend from church told me she thought our festival truly reflected how small-town America should celebrate the Fourth of July!”
“It was fascinating,” said Mayor Jesse Testruth. “"If you look at the people here, the families, the smiling faces of those kids, this is what it’s all about."
Festivities will resume Saturday with a rubber duck race in Buck Creek at 6 p.m. The derby had been scheduled for July 4 but was cancelled because of high water. An ice-cream social and music from Tim Nolan follow at 7 p.m.