On July 4th, 1776, the 13 American colonies declared themselves as an independent nation, severing ties to Great Britain. Since then, we’ve never taken our freedom for granted, and for almost 250 years, we’ve celebrated yearly!
Whether you’ve got a patriotic spirit or just want to join in the festivities, you may be curious about what Hillsborough, NC, has to offer in terms of Fourth of July activities for seniors. By finding out ahead of time, you can carefully plan a day that accommodates your mobility and comfort.
Read on to see which senior patriotic events are available in the local area.
Revolutionary Era Guided Walking Tour
If you’re a history buff, then you don’t want to miss out on the Revolutionary Era guided walking tour, which takes you through Hillsborough’s historic district. The city is one of North Carolina’s oldest towns, as it was established in 1754.
This two-hour walking tour will teach you all about Hillsborough’s colonial legacy. It’ll give you a newfound appreciation for the city you live in.
The tour will go, rain or shine, so be prepared for anything. Wear comfortable shoes and anything else that’ll keep you comfy.
The walk runs from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm and costs $21.50 per person. Purchase your tickets in advance, as they tend to sell out.
Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration
As far as 4th of July celebrations go, we’ll start off with an old-fashioned one, as it’s tried and true. This event isn’t actually in Hillsborough, but rather in nearby Chapel Hill. It’ll run from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, unless there’s rain.
The Village Band will start playing at 1:30 pm, and you’re welcome to bring your own blanket or lawn chair to sit and enjoy the music.
Right after the concert, they’ll be offering free ice cream sandwiches, lemonade, and flags (while supplies last). This celebration is the perfect way to spend a few hours out in the community, mingling with the locals.
Watermelon Festival at Spring Haven Farm
Spring Haven Farm is also located in nearby Chapel Hill. It’s a unique farm that has:
- Goats
- Highland cows
- Horses
- Alpacas
- Emus
- Pigs
- Lambs
- Donkeys
Just seeing these creatures up close and personal can already be a treat. But in addition, the farm is hosting a watermelon festival this Independence Day.
From 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, you can join in. The ticket costs $14.95, and it includes as much homegrown watermelon as you can eat! There are also food trucks on site, so you can fill your belly with tasty food.
If you can’t make it on the 4th, do note that you also have the 5th and the 6th to attend this festival.
Gem Mining With Goats
If you enjoyed your time at Spring Haven Farm during the watermelon festival, then you’ll also like gem mining with goats. You can come to the farm between the 4th and 6th, and during the hours of 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
This farm offers one of the few gem mining attractions in the Carolinas, so it’s a truly unique experience, especially when combined with the goat interactions!
You can pan for:
- Emeralds
- Arrowheads
- Fossils
Not only is it holiday fun for older adults, but also for children. So consider bringing the grandkids along!
So Much Color Art Exhibit
“So Much Color” is an art exhibit that’s running from June 24th to July 20th at the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts. It features art from three local artists:
- Kaidy Lewis
- Mark Kinsella
- Pat Merriman
This is an ideal activity for July 4th in assisted living, or if you just need some rest from the heat and crowds. The gallery is air-conditioned and you can admire art while cooling down.
If you find the works particularly interesting, then pencil in the Artist Talk on Saturday, July 12th at 4:00 pm. Not only will they talk about their inspiration and process, but you’ll also have the opportunity to chat with them afterward.
Performances at Yonder
Thursday Jazz at Yonder is a regular occurrence, and even though it’s not on Independence Day itself, it can be a great way to relax and unwind before all the excitement kicks up.
From 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm, you’ll see Les Trois Chats (a group of local musicians) on the stage. They’ll showcase a variety of jazz styles, including:
- Hot club jazz
- Classic swing
- Brazilian bossa nova
You can also come back to Yonder on July 4th for Live Reel-Wednesday. A cast will perform your favorite shows live on stage!
Southern Triangle Fireworks in Southern Community Park
Chapel Hill’s Southern Community Park is hosting the Southern Triangle fireworks show. It’s a senior-friendly and accessible event, so it’s one of the memory care holiday ideas you should consider.
This free fireworks show happens at 9:20 pm, but you can come to the park at 7:00 pm. You’re welcome to bring coolers, picnic supplies, water, blankets, and chairs, but do not bring the following:
- Tents
- Tailgates
- Alcohol
- Glass
- Pets
Durham Bulls Game and Fireworks
Are you a baseball fan? Then, one of the safe summer celebrations you can consider is attending a Durham Bulls game.
At 6:35 pm, the Durham Bulls face off against the Norfolk Tides. Cheer on your favorite team as you sit in comfortable stadium seating. If you get hungry, there are stadium concessions available.
After the game, around 9:15 pm, the stadium will put on a dynamic fireworks show! Because you already have a seat, you won’t have to fight for a good spot to view them.
Fourth of July Activities
Now you’re armed with a list of Fourth of July activities to do in Hillsborough and the surrounding areas. They all provide fun and memorable experiences, so there are no right or wrong choices.
Instead, take the time to choose a select few that agree with your lifestyle and energy levels. By sticking to what’s doable, you won’t overexert yourself while having an unforgettable time.
TerraBella Hillsborough has been named Best Memory Care Community by the US News & World Report. If you’d like to learn more about senior living in Hillsborough, NC, then contact us now.
