Ocracoke Island’s Independence Day festivities kick off on July 2 and continue through July 4.

Here’s a rundown of the events;

Tuesday, July 2:

• 7 pm: Pre-fireworks party with DJ Tommy Hutcherson at the NPS docks.
• 9:15 pm: Fireworks by Pyrotecnico from the NPS parking lot at the island’s south end. Note: The parking lot closes at 5 pm on July 1.

Wednesday, July 3:

• 3 to 6 pm: Fundraising Fish Fry for the OPS at Island Inn Commons.
• 7 to 8:30 pm: Ocracoke Square Dance at Berkley Barn with Molasses Creek. $5 for adults 13 and over.

Thursday, July 4:

• 9:30 am – Noon: 43rd Annual Sand Sculpture Contest at the NPS Lifeguard Beach.
• 10 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 to 4:30 pm: Ocracoke Lighthouse open for viewing (no climbing allowed).
• 4 pm: Independence Day Parade with the theme “Old Tyme Ocracoke.” Parade sign-up starts at 2:30 pm at Old Beach Road. The parade ends at the NPS docks. No water throwing or political themes.
• 5:30 pm: Awards for Parade and Sand Sculpture Contest at the Books to Be Red stage. Bring your own seating.
• 6 pm: Fundraising cookout at the United Methodist Church.
• 7 to 10 pm: Community Beach Fire at the Ocracoke Day Use Area/NPS Lifeguard Beach. Bring beach blankets, chairs, marshmallows, and roasting sticks.

The celebrations are sponsored by the Ocracoke Occupancy Tax Board, Hyde County, and the Ocracoke Civic & Business Association.