EAST BEND — On Saturday, hundreds gathered in the town of East Bend, most donning red, white, and blue, to celebrate Independence Day at the 34th annual God and Country Celebration.
The East Bend God and Country Foundation puts on the event every year on the Saturday before July 4. Volunteers organize the celebration and pay for it through fundraisers — not tax dollars. This year’s festivities included a parade, a midday celebration, an evening service and fireworks.
The parade began at 9:30 a.m. on Main St. and lasted around an hour. A military procession led the way, manned by veterans of Yadkin County. Then county officers, local businesses, locals driving antique cars and four wheelers, emergency personnel, churches, sports teams, and more made their way through town.
Not everyone paraded on wheels — a group of horses made up the parade’s caboose.
Later on, some floats were recognized with awards. Yadkin County Veterans Council won “Most Patriotic,” and True Point Church won “Most Inspirational by a Church.” The Carolina Cardinals, sporting a Sandlot-themed float, won “Best Youth,” and Bangs & Fringes Boutique and Salon won “Best Theme” with their colorful Hawaiian luau float.
Steven Mosteller, a member of VFW Post 10346 in Hamptonville, said the East Bend parade is the best in the county.
After the parade, crowds reconvened at East Bend Elementary School for a midday celebration.
MK Matthews announced the opening ceremony. Forbush High School student Gabriel Salmons sang the National Anthem, veterans from the crowd gathered to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, and Ryan Poindexter said an impromptu prayer.
“God let us never forget that freedom is not free,” Poindexter said.
Attendees ate from food trucks like Soul to Bowl, explored vendors like Berl’s Bees and Cowgirlwhirl, and enjoyed bouncy houses. Kids and adults alike frolicked into a spray-down from the East Bend Fire Department on the hot day.
The East Bend Ministerial Association hosted an evening worship service at the elementary school at 6:30 p.m. Around 20 people attended.
After a long day of celebration, the sun finally set around 9 p.m., signaling the start of a firework show at the East Bend Senior Center. Hundreds of cars found parking spots at the center and spilled into nearby lots as well, and the community settled in for the spectacular display.
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