Press Release
Greater Raleigh - Home of the Free
Media Contact: Jim Lee, DCI ( 312) 202-0507;
jim.lee@dc-intl
The Greater Raleigh area shows off its patriotic spirit with picnics, music and fireworks on Independence Day 2005!
The United States is known as the "Land of the Free" and the Raleigh area stands true to that name by offering Fourth of July events the whole family can enjoy, FREE! In addition to the July 4 patriotic activities, the Raleigh area is home to 20 FREE events and attractions, including the North Carolina Museum of Art, North Carolina Museum of History and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
Enjoy the long holiday weekend by taking advantage of Greater Raleigh's TGIF weekend offers. Mention TGIF and receive the guaranteed lowest rate at 23 participating hotels, a $10 shopping card, a Sprint Calling Card, lowest available golf rates at three area courses and a Visitors Rewards Card that offers special discounts for local attractions, restaurants, golf courses and more!
Independence Day Events
Fourth of July Open House (July 4)
Joel Lane Museum House
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Built in 1770 as the home for Joel Lane, prominent statesman and patriot, the house is fully restored and furnished to reflect the way he lived on his home plantation.
Throughout the day, costumed docents will provide tours of the house and gardens. Revolutionary War re-enactors will march and drill in the yard to demonstrate how our militia won our independence. There will be games and crafts for children of all ages plus special talks on the gardens and other aspects of our colonial history. FREE.
Independence Day Concert & Fireworks (July 4)
Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary
Door open: 3:00 pm / Concert begins: 7:30 pm
Celebrate Independence Day at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, situated on 14 acres and next to Symphony Lake. Pack a picnic and bring a blanket to enjoy this American salute with music performed by The North Carolina Symphony. The North Carolina Symphony welcomes special guests, the United States Army Band and Unites States Army Herald Trumpets. Fireworks will follow the concert. FREE.
North Carolina State Capitol Independence Day Celebration (July 4)
North Carolina State Capitol
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Enjoy a traditional, family-oriented Independence Day on the Capitol grounds. Bring a blanket and picnic or buy your lunch from vendors on Bicentennial Plaza. Enjoy the afternoon with a concert from many of Raleigh's favorite bands. FREE.
North Carolina State Fairgrounds July 4 Celebration
(July 4)
Dorton Arena & Jim Graham Building
Fireworks: 9:15 pm
The North Carolina State Fairgrounds celebrate Independence Day with rides, games and entertainment for all ages. The evening ends with a fireworks display. FREE.
We the People (July 3 & 4)
July 3 – Raleigh's Sertoma Amphitheatre: 4:00 pm
July 4 – Koka Booth Amphitheatre: 3:30 pm
The Applause! Touring Troupe takes patriotism on the road with its second tour of this patriotic play that reminds us that the words written by our nation's forefathers are still part of our lives today. FREE.
If you plan on visiting Greater Raleigh for the long holiday weekend, here are some additional events to complement you plans.
From IMAX films, gallery walks and Flea Market shopping to exhibitions featuring crime scene insects, contemporary photography and objects from Operation Iraqi Freedom, Grand Ole Opry Tour concert and Proof and The Man from Stratford on stage.
54th North State Toy and Hobby Show (July 2 & 3)
Kerr Scott Building – North Carolina State Fairgrounds
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
More than 265 tables with 100 exhibitors will be selling antique to modern toys including Barbie, die cast models, NASCAR and more. Admission $5.
An Evening with the Grand Ole Opry (July 2)
Koka Booth Amphitheatre
8:00 pm
Join country legends Ricky Skaggs, The Del McCoury Band, Patty Loveless, Riders In The Sky and Old Crow Medicine Show. Ticket prices vary.
A State of Change: North Carolina and Its Governors (Through September 4, 2005)
North Carolina Museum of History
Tuesday – Saturday: 9:00 am – 5 pm
Sunday: 1:00 pm – 5 pm
Coinciding with the inauguration of North Carolina's newly elected governor, this exhibit traces the history of the state's leaders for more than 400 years. Approximately 300 artifacts, portraits and photographs give us a glimpse into the lives and times of the governors and their families. FREE.
Charting our History (Through December 31, 2005)
Raleigh City Museum
Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 am – 4 pm
Saturday: 1 pm – 4 pm
Raleigh is fortunate to have a number of historically significant sites that help represent and interpret the city's past. These sites range from early Raleigh history to more modern times, from the specific stories of individuals to the general story of a particular group. FREE.
CSI: Crime Scene Insects (Through September 18, 2005)
North Carolina Museum of Natural Science
Monday – Saturday: 9:00 am – 5 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm – 5 pm
Ever wanted to play the part of a crime scene investigator? Are you a big fan of the crime scene television shows? Did you know that insects - that's right, bugs! - play a big part in the solving of crimes, including murder, the most heinous of crimes?
CSI: Crime Scene Insects, explores one of the most fascinating areas of criminal investigation, forensic entomology, the use of insects such as flies, maggots and beetles to reveal critical details of a crime scene. The exhibit presents a case for the effective use of insects in crime solving through fascinating case studies, engaging interactives, examples of field and lab equipment, and a heavy emphasis on the scientific methods used by investigators. Admission $3
The Greater Raleigh CVB is a non-profit agency to enhance the economic growth and development of Raleigh and Wake County by increasing visitor and convention business.
For a free visitors guide or more promotional information, call toll-free (800) 849-8849 visit www.visitraleigh.com, or e-mail visit@visitraleigh.com. That's "City Life, Carolina Style."
   |
