Happy Birthday America!
Watermelons, fireworks — especially the pink, purple and yellow ones — and … unicorns.
With the Fourth of July at hand, preschoolers in the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library’s preschool Story Time had their own pre-Independence Day celebration, and offered a glimpse of what they’re looking forward to.
During Story Time, the young readers read books about Fourth of July celebrations like parades, picnics and fireworks with Children’s Librarian Ashlee Williams. After reading, the children made their own American flags using pencils, construction paper and stickers.
The preschool readers also shared their favorite part of the 4th of July holiday.
For Kaylynn Simerly, watching fireworks displays are the highlight of the holiday. Laura Whitehead agreed the fireworks top the list of fun things to do.
Kaylee Livesay was a little more particular with her 4th of July firework expectations.
“I like the pink and purple and yellow ones,” she explained.
Twins Issabella and Amillia Eckert, however, decided having watermelon for a treat was the best part of the summer holiday.
Ryleigh McNeal will celebrate Independence Day by taking a short vacation with her parents to Atlanta.
But the most unusual 4th of July activity will be AbiGail Orloff’s.
Her favorite thing about the 4th of July?
“Watching unicorns.”
“I have them at my house,” she explained.
For those who aren’t lucky enough to have unicorns to observe – they are in short supply in the area – there are plenty of other 4th of July activities to enjoy in Carter County.
• The city of Elizabethton is hosting a celebration in Covered Bridge Park on July 4 from 1-4 p.m. The event will feature local music, a salute to veterans, a children’s bike parade and a best-tasting hot dog contest.
• The Watauga Lake Boat Parade begins at 2 p.m. on July 4.
• The community Laser and Light Show will be held at Big John’s Closeouts on July 4 and 5. Shows begin at 8 p.m. and continue every 30 minutes until 11 p.m.
• Fireworks will be held after the Elizabethton Twins game and at Lakeshore Marina at dark on July 4. On July 5, Cove Ridge Marina will have fireworks at 9 p.m. and Mallard Cove Marina will have fireworks at 9:45 p.m.