Go karts, parade, food and fireworks on tap this 4th of July

Flock to the Rock for Independence Day weekend!

This year, the fun in New Rockford begins on Friday, July 2 with the Red Ball Golf Tournament at 1 p.m. The Freedom 5K gets underway at 7 p.m. Race day registration starts at 6 p.m. at the east shelter in All Veteran's Memorial Park. Net proceeds go to the American Legion for the honor firing squad. After the race, head to the Eagles and dance in the streets to your favorite tunes spun by Rock N' Roundup DJ.

The annual parade starts at 10 a.m. Saturday. Afterwards, stay downtown for lunch at the Eagles. Family fun awaits all afternoon long too, as B & B Racers brings their go-kart track to town. From 1-6 p.m., get in line on 7th Street by the USDA office for FREE go kart rides courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce, Eagles and Lions. The Lions' will also host their Lucky Duck Race at 4:30 p.m., with a Brisket Dinner for Wonder Lanes to follow in Centennial Park. Kissing Company will rock the street behind Buck-Its beginning at 9 p.m.

DPRCA performers will entertain live with Songs on Central Sunday at 6 p.m., and the weekend ends with the community fireworks display at dusk.

In these extremely dry conditions, the Eddy County Commission and Eddy County Emergency Manager Lisa Thompson remind residents and visitors to be careful when expelling fireworks this holiday week. Please see their fireworks safety message on page A2. The full schedule is on page B4.

Fireworks spark more than 19,500 fires each year in the U.S. with 49% of them happening on July 4.

Fireworks should ONLY be used when the fire risk index is in the moderate or low range. Eddy County's burn ban is in effect once the index reaches the high category.

Fire Risk Ratings for Eddy County can be found at http://www.ndresponse.gov

Fireworks Safety Tips

• Always have a water bucket or hose nearby

Read directions completely before lighting up

• Keep fireworks away from dry grass and other flammables. Pavement or cement is the best place to ignite fireworks

• Never let children or persons who have consumed alcohol light fireworks

• Light only one firework at a time

• Don't let your fun turn in to someone else's tragedy!