Spectators enjoy the fireworks show at the 2023 Oakboro Fourth of July Celebration. Photo courtesy Oakboro Fire and Rescue

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OAKBORO — One of Stanly County’s most anticipated yearly traditions is back.

In an annual set of festivities that routinely brings in attendees from all across the state, the Oakboro Fourth of July Celebration is returning this coming week for its 67th year of Independence Day events.

The full slate of parades, rides, pageants, talent shows, live bands and fireworks begins on Tuesday night at 6 p.m. and runs through the end of Saturday around midnight.

“Lots of planning has gone into making this a memorable July Fourth,” event organizers from Oakboro Fire and Rescue stated in a social media post. “We cannot wait to see you there. God Bless America!”

The annual week-long celebration has been hosted by Oakboro Fire and Rescue since 1958.

The fire department has estimated that on certain occasions in the past, up to 40,000 people have traveled to Oakboro to partake in the Independence Day events.

“The annual Oakboro Fourth of July Fair is just around the corner — a small-town tradition packed with magic, memories, and all the fried food you can dream of,” Living Locust community promoter Liz Peele said in an event advertisement. “From fair rides and live music to fireworks and funnel cakes, it’s a weeklong celebration locals look forward to all year.”

The week’s lineup of events will officially begin with a community worship service at First Baptist Church of Oakboro on Sunday night, followed by the opening of the rides — each provided by the B&K Carnival Company — and the Little Miss Fourth of July Pageant on Tuesday night at 6 p.m.

Talent show registration is offered on both Tuesday and Wednesday leading up to the 6 p.m. show on Thursday night..

The annual Oakboro Fourth of July parade is set for Friday morning at 9 a.m. and will be followed by patriotic ceremonies, a speech by Oakboro Mayor Rodney Eury, and the Miss Stanly County Fire Queen Pageant at 11 a.m.

Fireworks shows are scheduled for 11:30 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday.

Each night will feature free live music acts performing at 8:30 p.m. on the Union Power Stage: Jim Quick and Coastline (Tuesday), Chris Taylor and the Rumor (Wednesday), Taylor Richardson (Thursday), The Tonez (Friday) and Blackwater (Saturday).

The Oakboro festivities will return again next summer for their 68th incarnation as July 4 lands on a Saturday in 2026.

Information regarding the annual celebration can be found at oakboro4th.com.