The approximately 450 people attending Friday’s Fourth of July celebration at Westbrook Park ranged in age from six months to 91 years — one person was even celebrating their July 4 birthday — and there were even visitors from as far away as Texas, Idaho and Thailand.
They devoured 400 hot dogs and 400 pizza slices and enjoyed watermelon, pickles, water and drinks, popsicles, Pickle Train rides, a large inflatable slide, face painting and entertainment — all free of charge.
The Mount Olive Exchange Club and Rotary Club partnered for the first time this year co-hosted the town’s annual old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
“We had more people playing bingo than ever, 80 to 100,” said Belinda Parent, Exchange Club president.
Piggly Wiggly provided watermelon slices; Girl Scout Troop 389 had popsicles; Mt. Olive Pickle Co. provided free pickles; and Burger King donated cookies.
For the first time, the Make A Difference Food Pantry provided juice boxes for children.
Dwayne McKay, Exchange Club president-elect, gave the welcome and described the various tents and their offerings.
He also presented Mt. Olive Pickle gift packs to the youngest and oldest to attend, the one who traveled the farthest and the one born on July 4.
McKay spoke about the club and its community involvement, encouraging people interested to consider joining the club.
Hampton Lee sang the national anthem. Former town commissioner Steve Wiggins gave the invocation, and McKay led the pledge of allegiance.
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