Summer Fest this Sunday

The summer season has officially launched and the weekend we have been waiting for is finally here, it’s Pittsboro Summer Fest. It’s July Fourth weekend and the festivities are just getting started in Chatham County. Your vacation days could look like a backyard barbecue, a nighttime firework display or celebrating with your neighbors! No matter how you choose to celebrate, we wish you a happy and safe Fourth of July!

It’s the seventh year of Pittsboro Summer Fest and they’re calling it the best one yet. On Sunday, July 2 from 3-8:30 p.m., the streets of downtown Pittsboro will be filled with the sights and sounds of summer. Hosted by the Pittsboro Business Association, this year’s event will feature live music, games, food, drinks and contests galore.

The Contests

Of course, we have to kick the day’s festivities off with the Decorated Bike Parade. Participants are asked to arrive at First Citizens Bank between 2-2:45 p.m. for a parade start time of 3:30 p.m. The parade route will go from First Citizens Bank, along Hanks Street, onto Credle Street and up W. Salisbury Street, ending in the Postal Fish Company parking lot.

New to the lineup is the Summer Fest Amateur BBQ Cookoff. Sponsored by Postal Fish Company, up to eight teams will compete for The People’s Choice Award and the Judge’s Choice Award. Don’t put your fork down just yet, the pie contest will judge the all-around, low or no sugar and gluten-free categories. To submit your recipe, simply bring your fruit pie of choice and disposable pie plate to the contest booth by 5 p.m. for judging.

And for a less appetizing, but equally entertaining option, tune into the beard and mustache contest, featuring the most creative, biggest and saddest facial hair submissions the county has to offer. Registration is not required, make your way to the stage at 6:30 p.m. Winners will be announced from the stage at 6:45 p.m.

The Music

Your favorites are live in Pittsboro! For more than 30 years, the Chairmen of the Board has been ranked as one of soul music’s all-time greatest groups. From 7-8:30 p.m., the group will headline on the mainstage. Opening acts include Tim Hair with Indian Outlaw at 4 p.m. and Big Time Shine at 5:30 p.m.

The Activities

And in the Kids Zone, you’ve got a waterslide, dunk tank, bounce house, inflatable axe throwing and an obstacle course! No matter your age, you can have small-town fun in a big way!