Mount Olive hosts annual July Fourth celebration, picnic
By Steve Herring
Published in News on July 6, 2014 1:50 AM
MOUNT OLIVE -- Like many people at the town's old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration, 18-month-old Ava Cooper was decked out in patriotic colors, but she was more interested in the drink her father had.
"Say, 'It's the only time that we let loose. Mommy isn't worried about my outfit and lets me have all of the ice cream that I want. Just a good ole time,'" her father, Ryan Cooper, said.
Cooper and his family made the trip from their home in Elizabeth City Thursday night during the middle of a storm.
He is married to the former Alison Miller of Mount Olive.
"There is a (family) crowd when we come here always," he said. "We always have a good time. This is home to us. Even me not being from here it still feels like home. It is a hometown feel."
Cooper and his family were not alone. Mount Olive locals and visitors gathered to share an evening of fun and food.
"I think it is an enthusiastic group and most are repeaters -- they come every year," town Commissioner Joe Scott said. "It looks like they are having a good time. We have plenty of food -- ice cream, watermelon, hot dogs, pizza and drinks."
The annual celebration has been held for more than 25 years as a community project now headed up by the Exchange Club with participation from the Rotary Club and Lions Club.
The 9 p.m. fireworks at the airport are sponsored by the Jaycees and the town.
Missing from the event were the children's parade that normally kicks off the event and games including a greasy pole climb -- victims of the Thursday uncertainty surrounding Hurricane Arthur.
Bingo was held in the senior center located across North Chestnut Street from the park, and the fire department had its platform truck on display.
Music was provided by Made by Mercy from the Pikeville area, and the Mount Olive-based Harmony Boys provided gospel and patriotic music.
"I think it is a good crowd," Scott said. "I have seen some new faces here. I thought the hurricane might have stopped some of them from coming out, and more may come, but I think it is a good crowd considering (the storm)."
Prizes of Mt. Olive Pickle Co. gift packs were given to the oldest person at the event, 93, the youngest, 5-month-old twins, and the person who traveled the farthest, who came from New Jersey.
Across the park, Edward Sutton of Dudley was patiently waiting in the long line to get some of the free pizza.
"This is my first one and I have enjoyed it so far," he said of the event.
Sutton said the weather was perfect and that organizers couldn't have hoped for a better day despite the recent stormy weather.
"It is very important to celebrate the Fourth of July no matter where you are at because we are living in a free country compared to what is going on overseas and we have peace at home, and enjoy something like this and not be afraid you are going to lose your life," he said. "It is great. I just thank God for the people who made this possible."