July Fourth celebration a blast for many

Some spent all day grilling, playing on the playground, listening to music and competing in contests while others arrived just in time. However they planned it, everyone was at City Park on Thursday night for the big pyrotechnic show that has come to symbolize our nation's independence.

Richard Kowalk, 43, said his family came early to participate in competitions like the watermelon-eating contest that his 6-year-old daughter, Madison, won.

"I've never seen her eat one that fast," he said. "And she doesn't even like watermelon."

Kowalk said although they are going to Mebane's celebration tomorrow night, they always look forward to Burlington's festival. (Click here to see if we took your picture at the event.)

"This is a great big deal that they provide for an itty-bitty town like Burlington," he said. "The kids have fun. The adults have fun. This is pretty cool."

One group of seven teenagers ranging from 14 to 18 years old was excited about all the contests.

"We used to practice for the cracker-whistle contest on my front porch," Brittany Cates, 18, said.

Sarah Harder, 18, said they would end up getting crackers everywhere.

"Put two crackers in your mouth and try to whistle," Cates said. "Try it sometime. It is harder than you'd think."

People of all ages enjoyed the water-balloon toss, the egg toss, and pie-eating contests that took place throughout the evening.

Kids were everywhere, begging their parents to climb the rock wall and go through the inflatable obstacle course.

"I liked the slide the best," Shakirah Miller, 7, said. Miller went through the course twice, but was most excited about the fireworks.

Bennie Cox, 62, of Fireworks Unlimited of North Carolina, said Burlington's show is in the top five of shows in the state. Although a dollar amount wasn't available, Cox planned to shoot approximately 575 shells for the 22 to 25 minute-long show. The Embers played beach music throughout the night and The Company Shops Concert Band took the stage during the grand finale while spectators let out a chorus of "oohs" and "ahs."

Jim Stiles, 76, said he has been attending the celebration at City Park for six or seven years and loves seeing all the people.

"This park is a real treasure to Burlington," Stiles said. "It's a wonderful place for families to bring their kids and just have a good time. It is a real positive influence."

 RED, WHITE and BOOM!

Folks who want to stay in Alamance County have a couple of options for viewing fireworks tonight.

* Fireworks begin at 9:40 p.m., capping off the Mebane Fourth of July Family Music Festival at the Mebane Arts and Community Center of Corrigidor Drive, Mebane. But come earlier - at 7:30 p.m. in fact - to take in an evening of music.

* And fireworks will cap a night of baseball at Burlington Athletic Stadium when the Royals take on the Johnson City Cardinals. Game time is 6:30 p.m. but the fireworks come at the end of nine innings.