Following the celebrations of July 4th in Orange County, the events of the day are still fresh in people’s minds, from the parades to the numerous outdoor activities. To close out the night, of course, was the nationally-recognized fireworks display at Kenan Stadium.

Production Manager for the Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation Department, Wes Tilghman, says that this Fourth of July produced the biggest audience the event has ever had.

“We just enjoyed a great evening celebrating with our community,” says Tilghman. “It was a record turn-out with a wonderful show. We estimate that crowd to be around 35 to 38 thousand; that’s actually estimated based on the number of seats we make available at the stadium each year.”

He also says that the show ran without any problems, thanks to the help of the local professionals.

“Everything went very smoothly,” says Tilghman. “All the folks at Parks and Recreation, who helped coordinate the event worked very closely with the UNC officials and our Chapel Hill Fire Department to make a great event.”

In graditiude, Tilghman says he offers his thanks to everyone that made the July 4th celebration this year such a success.

“Just a big thank you to all of those that were involved, especially those sponsors that support the event each year,” says Tilghman.

Tilghman also expressed his gratitude and praise for one local celebrity in particular for keeping the show going, and making this Independence Day something to remember.

“Mr. Ron Stutts is just an amazing Master of Ceremonies each year,” says Tilghman. “He makes that stage sing, and we really appreciate everyone’s support and contributions.”

Related Stories
‹
July 4 Celebration Guide
July 4th means fireworks, barbecues, cookouts and spending time with family. Orange County will be celebrating the holiday in typical fashion, with fireworks displays all over the county. Here is your complete guide for celebrating the 4th of July in Orange County, with events ranging from children’s bicycle parades to the Town of Chapel Hill’s […]
Re-Lighting the Night Sky
Almost exactly one year ago I wrote how I lauded the decision to cancel Chapel Hill’s annual fireworks display.  While the economy is only inching its way back and can not yet be called healthy and while town leaders are certainly still making tough choices, this year I write that it was wonderful to have […]
UNC Police Issue 'All Clear' After Bomb Threat, Investigation at Kenan Stadium
UNC Police are responding to a safety threat at Kenan Stadium on Thursday afternoon, according to an alert shared with the campus community.
Conversations We Need to Have: Paul Slack on The Feeling of Belonging During July 4th and The World Cup – July 6, 2026
Paul Slack, the chief civil rights officer for the Orange County government, joins 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell for "Conversations We Need to Have" on Monday, July 6. Coming off the Fourth of July holiday, the pair talk about what the holiday means for them and the conflicted feelings it generates, both historically and amid heightened political divide. Then, the two discuss how the World Cup being hosted in North America has felt like a moment of celebration and unity, while highlighting good parts of the American experience and its welcoming of other cultures.
Chatham County Sheriff's Office: Body of Teenage Swimmer Found After Search at Jordan Lake
A search for a missing swimmer at Jordan Lake, last seen Saturday evening, will continue into Monday morning, the Chatham County Sheriff's Office said.
Americans Step Out for Their Nation’s 250th in a Proud Moment Sown With Division and Doubt
Those who think President Donald Trump deserves their support and those who don’t are joining in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
Drone Shows and Parades: Here's What to Know Before Orange County's July 4 Celebrations
A variety of July 4 festivities are set to take place across Orange County. Here's how local governments are celebrating.
Why Most Black Americans Say They Never Fly the American Flag, According to a New AP-NORC Poll
Americans’ views of “Old Glory” are divided by politics, age and race, according to a new survey conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research ahead of the nation’s 250th birthday celebration.
On Air Today: Chapel Hill's Inaugural July 4 Drone Show!
This Independence Day, Chapel Hill is celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary with its first-ever July 4 drone show!
UNC Teases Kenan Stadium Enhancements as Venue Prepares to Celebrate 100 Years
The 2026 UNC football season will be the 100th in which the Tar Heels have called Kenan Stadium home, and the program is prepared to celebrate the historic venue with several upgrades and enhancements this fall. Two new video boards will be installed above each end zone, with both measuring 31.5 feet high by 106.5 […]
›