Faith Fourth of July Celebration

The small town of Faith is located in eastern Rowan County. Since 1946 the small town has hosted a Fourth of July celebration with patriotic pride. A week-long celebration requires a great deal of planning by the sponsoring organizations and community volunteers. The Faith Fourth of July Celebration is sponsored by the Faith American Legion Post #327, the Faith American Legion Auxiliary Unit #327, The Faith Civitans, and the Faith Jaycees. The celebration has been called one of the biggest Fourth of July Celebrations in the state of North Carolina.

The town of Faith was incorporated in 1903 and around that time a handful of area residents gathered to honor their Confederate War veterans with a picnic and games. The Peeler family, operators of a number of business's in Faith, was instrumental in these initial get togethers on the Fourth of July. The Fourth Celebrations were more like family picnics with few activities. A citizen remembers the greasy pole that proved a challenge for one soldier in the crowd. Also, races were a favorite and a horse drawn merry-go-round was a rather unusual attraction.

The Faith's Fourth of July Celebration was originally sanctioned by the town government in 1920, the sad conditions of wars and general economic distress intervened. Gatherings were sporadic. The end of World War II brought back happier times. The annual celebration was revived. Before Ray McCombs, life long resident and active supporter of the celebration made a comment that organizers received quite a shock when twice as any participants showed up as were expected. It also noted that food quickly ran out and Faith's cooks went to their own kitchens to bring more food. Strategic planning takes on a clear meaning for those with the responsibility for the upcoming celebration.