A Fourth of July event will be held on Thursday, July 4, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Pearson Park.

“Downtown Kinston Revitalization, the City of Kinston and the Kinston Lenoir County Parks & Recreation Department are thrilled to host the annual July 4th Independence Day celebration in downtown Kinston's Pearson Park,” said DKR Executive Director Leon Steele. “The festivities kick off at 3:30 with Flimsy. Vendors will be selling hot dogs, ice cream, funnel cakes, snow cones and tacos.”

The event is free and open to the public.

“At 5:30, the Kinston Rotary Club will hold their Duck Race on the Neuse River, near the gazebo by the farmers market,” said Steele. “From 6:00 to 9:00 PM, North Tower will take the stage, building up to an awe-inspiring fireworks display.”

Sponsors of the event include Bojangles, Neuse News, Poole Realty, Kinston Realty Group, and the Kinston-Lenoir County Parks and Recreation Department.

“Families are encouraged to arrive early, claim their spots, and prepare for a fun-filled day,” said Steele. “A changing station for small children will be available on-site. Come celebrate Independence Day in downtown Kinston!”

As the July 4th fireworks display at Pearson Park in Kinston approaches, be considerate of pets who may be affected. Fireworks can cause anxiety in animals, so keep them indoors in a quiet space to reduce stress.