Garner’s July 3rd Independence Day Celebration Event has provided a safe, fun atmosphere for all of Garner’s residents, visitors and friends since it first began in 1994. The event has become a favorite for people of all ages as children enjoy socializing and playing with their friends in the inflatable games and throughout the evening, while adults enjoy relaxing, listening to great music and catching up with family, neighbors and friends. As the community comes together to pay tribute to the birth of our country, a wonderful feeling of pride and patriotism seems to come over the more than 15-20,000 attendees that enjoy this yearly event.

Gates open at 5 p.m. and plenty of parking is available at Lake Benson Park. Fireworks will be displayed from the field in front of White Deer Park. Therefore, White Deer Park will be closed to foot and vehicular traffic and parking all day and during the event.

A shuttle service is available to transport attendees to Lake Benson Park from Bryan Farm at 1832 New Bethel Church Road. Buses will begin shuttle services at 5 p.m. and will depart from Bryan Farm to Lake Benson Park every 10 to 15 minutes. Return trips from Lake Benson Park to Bryan Farms will also be available at 10 to 15 minute intervals throughout the evening and at the conclusion of the event. All riders will be transported to the Lake Benson Park pedestrian entrance located in the Rosemoor subdivision, off Buffaloe Road. Buffaloe Road will be closed at 5 p.m. and throughout the evening to through traffic, allowing quick transport to and from the park by shuttle buses. (Bryan Farm is the only location for shuttle bus service this year.) Event attendees are encouraged to take advantage of this quick and easy shuttle bus service that will certainly add to the enjoyment of your evening. A map of recommended driving routes to Lake Benson Park and the location of Bryan Farm is available on the Town’s web site at www.GarnerNC.gov.

Kids inflatable games will be available between 5 and 8 p.m., along with music by Liquid Pleasure between 5-7:45 p.m. The North Carolina Symphony will entertain us again this year with their spectacular lineup of patriotic music selections from 8:30-9:30 p.m. The evening concludes with one of the largest and best fireworks shows in the area.

To make this event an enjoyable and safe evening for all, the following rules will be strictly enforced: no pets, no personal fireworks (including sparklers), no alcoholic beverages, no glass containers, no grills, no canopies or tents (umbrellas are allowed but must be taken down by 7:45 p.m.) During the evening, concessions will be available for purchase by local non-profit organizations.

Please call the Garner Parks & Recreation office at 773-4442, or visit www.GarnerNC.gov for more information.