The North Carolina Recreation & Park Association has put together a list of 47 events being held statewide over the next three days. Eight events are today, 38 are tomorrow and for you procrastinators who perpetually wake up on July 5th and say, “Dang! I should’ve done something to celebrate Independence Day,” there’s a leftover on Thursday (in Holly Springs, which includes a Bike Wagon Parade and the chance to dress up your ride).

Some of the events include lots of activities in addition to fireworks. In Lenoir, for instance, there’s sand vollyball, tennis and basketball, among other activities, before the light show at 9:30 p.m. In Greenville the annual Jaycees celebration includes a Firecracker Run for kids 5-10 down 1st Street, a Big Wheel Race for kids 4-8 in front of the Town Commons, a corn hole tournament and an adult Trike race with Trikes provided by The Bicycle Post.

Most, though, center on fireworks with live music, food and some ancillary events. But that doesn’t mean activity doesn’t lurk nearby. Say you go to the list and see that there’s fireworks, live music and such in Elkin starting at 5 p.m. Elkin you think. Doesn’t the Yadkin run through there? And isn’t there some good paddling on the Yadkin? A quick Google finds the Yadkin River Keeper’s Web page; drill down a little and you’ll find a river access map, which reveals a leisurely 6.8-mile trip from Ronda down to Elkin. Before you know it, you’ve got an active Fourth planned in a place you never expected to be active in.

Try it. Go to the list, pick an event somewhere that sounds interesting, then Google the location with a favorite activity and see what turns up.

Check out the list here, then plan an active Fourth.

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