Main Street Advisory Committee unveils 'Liberty on Main' July 4 parade and festival

During public comment, Ryan Carroll of the Roanoke Rapids Main Street Advisory Committee and Amanda Briggs, chair of the Main Street advisory board and president of the Lake Gaston Regional Chamber of Commerce, presented plans for a July 4 parade and festival called Liberty on Main.

Carroll said the parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Hamilton Street from 14th Street to 11th Street, with a festival immediately following at the Kirkwood Adams Civic Center running to approximately 3 p.m. "I am pleased to present the Liberty on Main Street parade and festival, which will be held on July 4," Carroll said. He thanked Councilman Bell for helping with the event name and said the committee hopes the celebration becomes an annual tradition that supports downtown businesses and brings the community together.

Briggs said vendor and parade registration is $25 and noted that nonprofits and government entities may participate as vendors at no cost. "This event is more than a parade and a festival. It's a moment for our entire community to come together," she said, and encouraged businesses, churches, civic groups, schools and families to take part. Briggs also provided a registration web address (mainstreetroanokerapids.com/250) and asked interested participants to contact Ashley Thomas for more information.

Council thanked the presenters and indicated support; no formal council action was required on the public comment.

The event is tied to the 250th anniversary of the United States and is intended to promote downtown revitalization and community engagement.