Lake Norman Publications

Annual ‘Patriotic Mile’ among Denver’s July 4th festivities 



Neighbors volunteer to place American flags along Killian Farm Road. /Courtesy of Renee DeLaPorte

LOWESVILLE – In its sixth year, the Patriotic Mile is once again on display along Killian Farm Road as a show of allegiance to the country and a celebration of nearly 250 years of independence. 

Renee DeLaPorte, who manages Sifford Farm in Lowesville, started the project in 2015 with 100 American flags, but it soon grew to nearly 400 flags and 130 solar lights after donations poured in. 

“Many lights were also donated and Walmart provided the batteries that last two weeks,” said DeLaPorte. “It’s really something to see at twilight, and with hay bales in the background it’s a beautiful slice of Americana in Lincoln County.”  

Residents of Killian Farm Road volunteer every year, DeLaPorte said, to prepare the landscape and then place flags along the road. 

The restored cotton gin and log cabin at Sifford Farm are also decorated, and neighbors are planning to conduct a 21-gun salute at the cotton gin on July 4, followed by a performance of “Taps.” 

“It’s a feel-good way to demonstrate true pride and appreciation for living in a country where so many fought hard for our freedom and lost their lives,” DeLaPorte said. “We enjoy so much that should never be taken for granted.”

The display begins at Martha’s Chapel on Killian Farm Road, about a mile from where it meets N.C. 73, and ends at Sifford Road.

Before the flags are placed, they are washed, rinsed and dried to ensure a neat appearance. /Courtesy of Renee DeLaPorte

Westport Parade to feature longer route 

DENVER This year, due to COVID-19, the route at the Westport Fourth of July Parade, which will honor local veterans, will be longer than usual to allow residents and onlookers to view the parade from their homes. 

The parade will start at St. Peter by-the-Lake Episcopal Church, 8433 Fairfield Forest Road, travel through most of the main roads in Westport, and end on Lakeview Drive.

Some Westport residents will also participate in a Fourth of July home decorating contest, where the top three houses will receive $50 prizes. 

The parade will begin at 9:45 a.m. on July 4, and end at 11 a.m. For more information, or to view the parade route, visit westportneighborhood.com.

 

Lincolnton fireworks to be viewed virtually   

While Lincolnton’s Independence Day fireworks show will go on, the viewing will be virtual due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The city will livestream the display July 4 from 9-10 p.m. on its website (ci.lincolnton.nc.us) and Facebook page.

There will be no parade or Kidz Zone.

“The area around (Lincoln County High School) stadium will be CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC,” the city announced on its website. “There are NO viewing areas at the LHS Stadium, LHS Parking Lot, Jeb Seagle Road or Skip Lawing Road; all roads will be blocked.”

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