Pack a picnic, bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and enjoy the Independence Day holiday weekend at this annual patriotic celebration Saturday, July 4. The Historic State Capitol will sponsor this free, fun-filled family event that has become a downtown Raleigh tradition. For the fifth year, an outdoor naturalization ceremony for approximately 30 new citizens will take place at noon on the Capitol steps.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event will offer a variety of musical performances, military displays, carriage rides and several hands-on and play activities for children to enjoy. Visitors will have the chance to listen to patriotic tunes performed by the Raleigh Concert Band, the Star Catchers vocal ensemble and Blue Grass favorite Ash Breeze. Visitors can depart from the festivities on the square on narrated trolley rides throughout the historic downtown to view Raleigh's landmarks. Food vendors, including Jonesy's Hot Dogs and Ben and Jerry's ice cream, will be located on the Capitol grounds.
After the naturalization ceremony, the traditional "Salute to Independence" will feature a reading of Thomas Jefferson's most noble achievement, "The Declaration of Independence." This will be followed by the placement of floral tributes to mark the 1775-1781 War for Independence and the successive wars that have preserved America's freedoms and have continued to spread America's democracy and freedoms globally. Additionally, a children's parade from the square through Bicentennial Plaza will precede the annual ringing of the replica Liberty Bell by the Sons of the American Revolution at 2 p.m.
The State Capitol's mission is to preserve and interpret the history, architecture and functions of the 1840 building and Union Square. The State Capitol is at One Edenton Street, Raleigh. Please visit www.nchistoricsites.org/capitol or call (919) 733-4994 for more information.