PADDLE YOUR WAY TO AN ALBMARLE CRUISE
CUPOLA HOUSE PLASTERED
STEINBURG TO READ THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, JULY 4, COURTHOUSE GREEN
THE PROCESS IN PROGRESS
A SMALL TOWN JULY 4th CELEBRATION LASTS ALL...
Edenton's Fourth of July celebration returns with a full day of patriotic activities, family fun, music, food, history, and fireworks as the community marks America's 250th anniversary. Activities begin with a classic car show, militia muster, and reading of the Declaration of Independence before continuing throughout the day with tours,
Edenton's Fourth of July celebration returns with a full day of patriotic activities, family fun, music, food, history, and fireworks as the community marks America's 250th anniversary. Activities begin with a classic car show, militia muster, and reading of the Declaration of Independence before continuing throughout the day with tours, contests, waterfront activities, and live entertainment.
The celebration concludes with a waterfront concert by The Main Event Band followed by fireworks over Edenton Bay. Visitors are encouraged to spend the day downtown and enjoy one of North Carolina's most historic Independence Day celebrations.
The Edenton Steamers will honor active-duty military personnel and veterans during Military Appreciation Night at Historic Hicks Field on Friday, July 3. Gates open at 6 p.m. with first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. Admission is free for active and retired members of the military.
Presented in partnership with the Edenton Tea Party Chapter, N
The Edenton Steamers will honor active-duty military personnel and veterans during Military Appreciation Night at Historic Hicks Field on Friday, July 3. Gates open at 6 p.m. with first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. Admission is free for active and retired members of the military.
Presented in partnership with the Edenton Tea Party Chapter, NSDAR, the evening will feature patriotic tributes, family-friendly entertainment, and post-game fireworks. The event offers an opportunity for the community to recognize and thank those who have served our nation.
The Chowan Arts Council will help launch Independence Day festivities with its annual Fourth of July Kickoff Party featuring live music by The Michael Clark Band. The event will be held June 30 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 112 W. Water Street in downtown Edenton.
Guests can enjoy live entertainment, community fellowship, and an evening of pat
The Chowan Arts Council will help launch Independence Day festivities with its annual Fourth of July Kickoff Party featuring live music by The Michael Clark Band. The event will be held June 30 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 112 W. Water Street in downtown Edenton.
Guests can enjoy live entertainment, community fellowship, and an evening of patriotic celebration while learning more about the Chowan Arts Council and its programs. The event serves as a festive start to a week filled with Independence Day activities.
The days leading up to Independence Day are packed with special events and activities throughout Edenton. Visitors can decorate bikes for the July 4 parade, tour historic sites, explore Revolutionary War exhibits, participate in patriotic trivia, enjoy a Steamers baseball game, or take a cruise aboard the Albemarle Queen.
With activities s
The days leading up to Independence Day are packed with special events and activities throughout Edenton. Visitors can decorate bikes for the July 4 parade, tour historic sites, explore Revolutionary War exhibits, participate in patriotic trivia, enjoy a Steamers baseball game, or take a cruise aboard the Albemarle Queen.
With activities scheduled throughout the week, there are opportunities for residents and visitors alike to celebrate America's 250th birthday while exploring the history, culture, and hospitality that make Edenton a unique destination.
... WEEK & OFFERS JULY 4 EVENTS FOR ALL AGES
The Rocky Hock Baptist Church Choir will present "I Love America," a patriotic musical celebrating faith, freedom, and the nation's heritage. The special performance will take place Sunday, June 28, during the church's 11 a.m. worship service.
Featuring music, inspiration, and reflections on America's history, the program commemorates the
The Rocky Hock Baptist Church Choir will present "I Love America," a patriotic musical celebrating faith, freedom, and the nation's heritage. The special performance will take place Sunday, June 28, during the church's 11 a.m. worship service.
Featuring music, inspiration, and reflections on America's history, the program commemorates the nation's 250th anniversary while highlighting themes of faith, gratitude, and community. A meal will be provided following the service, and visitors are welcome to attend.
The Edenton Tea Party Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, invites the public to a special ceremony commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The event will take place at 10 a.m. on July 4 at the Joseph Hewes Monument on the Historic Courthouse Green.
The program includes a reading o
The Edenton Tea Party Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, invites the public to a special ceremony commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The event will take place at 10 a.m. on July 4 at the Joseph Hewes Monument on the Historic Courthouse Green.
The program includes a reading of the Declaration of Independence, a wreath-laying ceremony, and remarks highlighting the life and contributions of Joseph Hewes, one of North Carolina's signers of the Declaration. The event offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the nation's founding principles.
Young patriots are invited to prepare for the July 4 Bike Parade during Bike Decorating Week at Shepard-Pruden Memorial Library. Free decorations and supplies will be available throughout the week, allowing children and families to transform bicycles, tricycles, wagons, and scooters into festive red, white, and blue creations.
A special de
Young patriots are invited to prepare for the July 4 Bike Parade during Bike Decorating Week at Shepard-Pruden Memorial Library. Free decorations and supplies will be available throughout the week, allowing children and families to transform bicycles, tricycles, wagons, and scooters into festive red, white, and blue creations.
A special decorating session will also be held on June 27. Supplies are available on a first-come, first-served basis, helping participants get ready for one of Edenton's favorite Independence Day traditions.
Celebrate the holiday season a little early when the Edenton Steamers host Christmas in July at Historic Hicks Field on Wednesday, July 1. Gates open at 6 p.m. with first pitch at 7 p.m., combining baseball, holiday fun, and family entertainment in a unique summer tradition.
The evening will feature Inner Banks Santa, holiday-themed activ
Celebrate the holiday season a little early when the Edenton Steamers host Christmas in July at Historic Hicks Field on Wednesday, July 1. Gates open at 6 p.m. with first pitch at 7 p.m., combining baseball, holiday fun, and family entertainment in a unique summer tradition.
The evening will feature Inner Banks Santa, holiday-themed activities, and plenty of Christmas spirit. Fans are encouraged to wear festive attire and enjoy a memorable night at one of Edenton's most beloved community gathering places.
DAR TO HOST 250th COMMEMORATION
READING OF THE DECLARATION
As communities across the nation prepare to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, residents and visitors in Edenton will have the opportunity to take part in a special ceremony honoring the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the men whose courage helped shape a new nation.
The Edenton Tea Party Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) will host a commemorative July 4th Celebration at 10 a.m. on the Historic Courthouse Green, adjacent to the Joseph Hewes Monument. The event will feature a reading of the Declaration of Independence, a wreath-laying ceremony, and historical presentations recognizing one of North Carolina's most important Revolutionary-era figures.
The ceremony is especially meaningful in 2026 as the United States marks the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, signed on July 4, 1776. Throughout the country, communities are reflecting on the principles of liberty, self-government, and civic responsibility that formed the foundation of the nation.
A highlight of the program will be a presentation by Robert Leath, Executive Director of the Edenton Historical Commission, who will provide a biographical sketch of Joseph Hewes. Often referred to as one of North Carolina's most influential Founding Fathers, Hewes was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a delegate to the Continental Congress. Historians frequently credit him as a key figure in the development of the Continental Navy, earning him recognition as one of the nation's early naval architects.
Although names such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin are familiar to most Americans, Hewes played a critical role in the nation's founding and remains one of Edenton's most distinguished historical figures. His monument overlooking Edenton Bay serves as a reminder of the town's deep connection to the Revolutionary War era and America's fight for independence.
Following Leath's remarks, the Declaration of Independence will be read by retired North Carolina Senator Bob Steinburg.
The ceremony will also include a wreath-laying tribute in honor of the patriots who sacrificed for American independence. Organizers hope the event will encourage residents and visitors alike to reflect on the significance of the nation's founding and the enduring importance of civic engagement.
The July 4th program is one of several events taking place throughout Edenton's Independence Day celebration.
The public is invited to attend the free ceremony and participate in this historic observance. Set against the backdrop of the Historic Courthouse Green and the Joseph Hewes Monument, the event offers a unique opportunity to connect with Edenton's Revolutionary heritage while celebrating one of the most important milestones in American history.
For those seeking a deeper appreciation of the town's role in the nation's founding, the ceremony promises to be both educational and inspiring, honoring the legacy of Joseph Hewes and the ideals that continue to unite Americans 250 years later.
Celebrate America's 250th Birthday at Historic Hayes
COMPLIMENTARY BIRTHDAY CAKE
As communities across the nation commemorate America's 250th birthday, Historic Hayes invites residents and visitors to join the celebration with a special Open House on Saturday, July 4, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Guests will enjoy complimentary tours of one of Edenton's most historic homes while taking part in a tradition that has become increasingly rare—a birthday cake shared in honor of the nation's birthday. Admission is free, and visitors are encouraged to stop by, explore the historic property, and enjoy a slice of cake as America marks its semiquincentennial anniversary.
While birthday cake remains a familiar part of childhood celebrations, surveys suggest that many adults no longer celebrate with a traditional birthday cake each year. That makes the Historic Hayes event a fitting reminder of a simple tradition that brings people together.
The open house is part of the community-wide "Celebrating America 250 in Edenton" observance and offers a unique opportunity to connect with local history while honoring the nation's past. Visitors can tour the historic home, learn more about its significance in North Carolina history, and join friends and neighbors in raising a fork to 250 years of American independence.
The Historic Hayes Open House is presented by the Edenton Historical Commission and the Elizabeth Vann Moore Foundation.
Historic Hayes Open House
Saturday, July 4, 2026
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Free Tours and Complimentary Birthday Cake
JOIN THE FLOATING TEA PARTY
Patriotic Tea Party Paddlers to Parade Before Panel of Judges
Looking across Edenton harbor on July 4, spectators will view a parade of vessels over a dozen entries are anticipated, resembling everything from wooden skiffs, to possible floating cakes propelled by two kayak paddlers. Paddlers is the key word here as all vessels are to be manually powered.
Adding to the excitement, the Stars, Stripes and Floating Tea Party Costume Parade is a patriotic on the water event combining creativity, history and a boat load – many boat loads of fun.
The event is the brainchild of Harbor Town Cruises Managing Director Ted Warren. Warren has expressed numerous times his position is not to make a profit for Harbor Town, but to bring more visitors to Edenton to enjoy the town, its retail, restaurants and historic attractions before or after cruising on the Queen.
The event could be one of the most unique and entertaining events of the holiday weekend to take to the Bay.
Scheduled as part of Edenton’s July 4 festivities, the parade challenges participants to decorate and launch anything that floats—from kayaks and paddle boards to canoes, inflatables, and other imaginative watercraft. There could be a boat building company in someone’s future. Participants are encouraged to dress in patriotic costumes and embrace the spirit of the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration.
The event playfully references one of the most famous acts of protest leading up to the American Revolution—the Boston Tea Party—while adding an unmistakably Edenton twist. Organizers are also encouraging participants to earn extra points by incorporating references to Edenton’s own place in history, including the 1774 Edenton Tea Party, widely recognized as one of the earliest organized political actions by women in the American colonies.
“This is a chance for families, friends, and community groups to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in a way that’s uniquely Edenton,” Warren said. “We want to see creativity, patriotism, and a little bit of humor on the water.”
The costume parade will benefit the Edenton-Chowan Optimist Club’s July 4th Celebration, helping support the organization’s efforts to provide family-friendly Independence Day activities for the community.
Adding to the excitement is a grand prize that promises to make waves long after the parade ends. The winner will receive a private chartered cruise aboard the Albemarle Queen, valued at $2,000. The prize can be transferred for fundraising purposes or used for private celebrations, including birthdays, weddings, or special events.
The Albemarle Queen, one of the most recognizable sights on Edenton Bay, serves as the backdrop for the event and highlights the town’s strong connection to its waterfront heritage.
Participants of all ages are encouraged to join the fun, whether competing for prizes or simply enjoying a festive afternoon on the water. Spectators can expect colorful costumes, creatively decorated vessels, patriotic themes, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate both Edenton’s rich history and America’s milestone anniversary.
The event is sponsored by Harbor Town Cruises with support from other community partners.
Registration information and event rules are available through Harbor Town Cruises. Interested participants can contact organizers at 844-IBX-BOATor by email at info@harbortowns.org.
As fireworks, parades, and celebrations fill the July 4 schedule, the Floating Tea Party promises to be one of the most memorable—and distinctly Edenton—ways to celebrate America’s 250th birthday on the water.
The event is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on July 4.
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MORE JULY EVENTS
PREPARE FOR THE FLOATING TEA PARTY
FARMERS MARKET SUMMER FESTIVAL
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OPTIMIST CLUB NEEDS SUPPORT
OPTIMIST CLUB NEEDS SUPPORT
Weather Update-June 19 - June 25
HISTORIC EDENTON, NORTH CAROLINA 7-DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK
📍 Historic Edenton North Carolina — 7-Day Weather Outlook:
Friday, June 19 — Thursday, June 25 2026
Friday
⛈️ Heavy showers and thunderstorms
High: ~83°F • Low: ~65°F
Tropical moisture brings periods of rain and storms.
Saturday
☀️ Mostly sunny and less humid
High: ~88°F • Low: ~67°F**
Sunday
🌤️ Warm with sun and clouds
High: ~92°F • Low: ~74°F**
Monday
🌦️ Breezy early; afternoon storm chance
High: ~93°F • Low: ~75°F**
Tuesday
🌦️ Humid with a stray thunderstorm
High: ~88°F • Low: ~69°F**
Wednesday
☁️ Mostly cloudy and humid
High: ~83°F • Low: ~70°F**
Thursday
🌧️ Mostly cloudy; afternoon showers
High: ~85°F • Low: ~72°F**
🌟 Weekly Outlook Summary 🌟
A stormy start gives way to a hot and humid stretch across Edenton. Friday brings tropical rain and thunderstorms, followed by a brighter Saturday. Heat builds Sunday and Monday, with highs climbing into the low 90s before humidity and clouds return midweek.
🧭 Weekly Weather Headlines
• ⛈️ Stormy Friday
• ☀️ Brighter Saturday
• 🌡️ Low 90s Sunday–Monday
• 🌦️ Humid with scattered storm chances
• ☁️ Cloudier midweek
ADACHI LOVES DISCLOSURE DAY
DISCLOSURE DAY, PART TWO
The X-Files’ Fox Mulder always insisted that the truth was out there. All we needed was to have Steven Spielberg prove it, which he looks to do in his latest cinematic venture, Disclosure Day.
I don’t think I’m giving anything away by saying that this film continues to explore Spielberg’s fascination with (and belief in) extraterrestrial life. His previous sci-fi films provided us with answers as to whether there might be intelligent life in the universe. Disclosure Day leaves us with more questions than it does answers. Would knowing the truth unite us or divide us? What impact would that have on our religious faith and beliefs?
For some of us who think that this film may be an extension of ET or Close Encounters, we would be mistaken. This is not one of those classic family movies you would take the kids to, although there are wondrous Spielbergian moments in the film that movie goers of all ages would enjoy. Oh my—that staggering train sequence! Instead, Spielberg elects to study the deeper, more somber themes that surround that one question that all humans seem to share--“Are we alone in the universe?”
I remember Daniel Day Lewis’ performance in Spielberg’s production of Lincoln. Upon seeing it, I walked out of the theater pretty much convinced that Lewis would be getting an Oscar for his performance. I had the same feeling about Emily Blunt’s performance as I left the Taylor. What emotion does Blunt not demonstrate in this film? She runs the entire gamut from contentment to confusion to anxiety to fear to panic to grief to rage to astonishment and finally to acceptance. And she manages to convey these emotions often without saying a word but simply through a facial expression or a look in her eyes. Count on Blunt’s name to be bandied about come Oscar time next year. She was that good, as was the strong supporting cast led by Josh O’Connor.
We live in a period of cynicism and doubt. Many films today tend to reflect that mood. It takes a creative genius like Spielberg to instill a sense of promise in us while at the same time eschewing overt sentimentality in his films. The final scenes of the movie were emotionally riveting and deeply satisfying. And while the film ends with a single word that has us wondering what might come next, we do leave having some hope for the future. I remember after seeing The Sixth Sense wanting to go back into the theater to watch it again simply to fully understand what it was that I just saw. Disclosure Day left me with that same feeling.
UPCOMING EVENTS
You Are Cordially Invited
John A. Holmes High School Principal Sonya Rinehart is inviting the community to get a first look at the future of education during a special Community Open House on Friday, July 24, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Residents, students, alumni and families will have the opportunity to tour the brand new school campus, meet staff members and celebrate the opening of the state-of-the-art facility that will serve generations of students to come.
Organizers say the event is designed to showcase the school’s modern learning spaces while welcoming the community into a new chapter for John A. Holmes High School. Guests are encouraged to explore the campus, connect with educators and experience the vision for the future of education in Chowan County.
School officials say they look forward to welcoming the public for this exciting milestone event.
EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED
FEEDING OUR FUTURE CHILDREN'S NUTRITION
FEEDING OUR FUTURE CHILDREN'S NUTRITION
FEEDING OUR FUTURE CHILDREN'S NUTRITION
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FEEDING OUR FUTURE CHILDREN'S NUTRITION
FEEDING OUR FUTURE CHILDREN'S NUTRITION
CAMP CALE NOW HIRING SUMMER STAFF
FEEDING OUR FUTURE CHILDREN'S NUTRITION
CAMP CALE NOW HIRING SUMMER STAFF
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