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The biggest and most fun filled event for the patriotic July 4th celebration in all of Rutherford County will be held in Rutherfordton on Friday. The fun begins at 10 A.M.
As we all know, Independence Day commonly known as the fourth of July, is a federal holiday in our country commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It was then that we declared our independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. This special day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions and political speeches and ceremonies. It’s all about who we are, where we came from, and how. It’s America’s birthday!
In Rutherford County, the birthday salute happens on the top of the hill on Main Street in Rutherfordton! The celebration starts with a walking parade. It includes folks in patriotic dress. Families, kids, and pets all walking to begin and showcase the festivities. Kids in wagons and red, white and blue dogs parade down Main Street.
They begin gathering at 9:30am at the top of the hill. The highlight will be what follows at 11am. That’s when, we once again, prove how creative and unique we are and can be. That’s when the Adult Soapbox Derby begins!
All the entries are gravity driven and the designs are “one of a kind”. It is the “Race For the Gold”. There are two cars at a time racing, or should we say, moving down Main Street. There are three qualifying heats, and then elimination races. The course starts on 3rd Street on the right side of the courthouse and ends at Town Hall.
The .21 mile course will have 800 bails of hay and 120 tires along the race course, guiding the drivers and protecting people watching and cheering. It’s all about fun! It’s the Third Annual Adult Soapbox Derby. The display is not only unique, but hilarious. Soapbox kids can teach the adults a thing or two.
The entire event is coordinated by Doug Grondahl of Legal Grounds, President pro-tem and board member of Rutherford Town Revitalization. The Adult Soapbox Derby is truly a sight to be seen. The winner gets bragging rights and, get this, the possession for a year of the most creative trophy of all time! Honestly, the trophy is made out of car parts!
Meanwhile there are games for the kids in front of the courthouse and plenty of vendors to satisfy your hunger or thirst. Who would want to miss this 4th of July celebration? It has to be the envy of other traditional celebrations and one that you can proudly boast that you were there. You’ll be talking about it all year. Oh, bring your camera and capture photos of the insane, obnoxious, and creative efforts of adults who refuse to grow up!
