e.t. 26:06
Sunday’s History Lesson: July 2nd is the 183rd day of the year. There are 182 days remaining until the end of the year
Today is Made in the USA Day and World Sports Journalists Day
There are 2 days left until Independence Day – 64 days until Labor Day
On July 2nd 1937, Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan disappeared over the Pacific Ocean while attempting to make the first round-the-world flight. Richard Petty was also born. The winninest stock car racing champ in history is 86 today.
In 1939, Theodore Roosevelt’s face was dedicated at Mount Rushmore. He started the National Park system in our country.
In 1962, The first Wal-Mart store opened in Rogers, Arkansas.
In 1966, Strangers in the Night by Frank Sinatra hits #1.
In 1977, Bill Conti – Gonna Fly Now (Theme From Rocky) hits #1
In 2002, Steve Fossett became the first person to fly a balloon solo around the world. He later died in a single-engine plane crash.
Beside Richard Petty, Birthdays on July 2 include:
rapper Saweetie (30)
Jose Canseco (59 according to Wikipedia)
Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart (66)
“Seinfeld” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” creator and star Larry David (76)
Imelda Marcos (94)
This coming week three (3) major attractions: (1) Our Nation’s birthday on Tuesday, July 4th with three celebrations – Two in Downtown Fayetteville – a street fair on Maxwell street downtown called “Faycation” with R&B and Reggae music, a beer garden and yard & water games- PLUS the traditional Fourth of July with band and orchestra music at Festival Park. Both events will provide ample entertainment, food vendors and trucks in the Historic Downtown area prior to fireworks display in Festival Park.
And at Fort Liberty, “Fourth at the Fort” starring Sheryl Crowe, Gavin DeGraw and more with Fireworks and fun for the whole family! We reached out to Fort Liberty for details on Tuesday’s event, free and open to the public generally attended by 50-60,000 celebrants of all ages.
(Interview with Jennifer Faison – Event Coordinator)
Thanks Jennifer Faison. For more see liberty.armymwr.com. (in this case, mwr stands for mental welfare and relaxation) That’s Liberty.armymwr.com. Have a great Fourth! Happy 247th Birthday, United States of America!
(2) The Lumbee Homecoming, in and around Pembroke and Robeson County, with activities scheduled all week and climaxing on Saturday, July 8th. Find the complete schedule of events at Lumbee.ORG (Lumbee.org) or searching Lumbee Homecoming 2023. There are events all week long. Saturday morning the 8th of July begins with the All Veteran Sky Show and Parachute Landing at 9:45 am in Pembroke’s Milton Hunt Park, the Parade at 10 starting from West Third Street in Pembroke….a host of activities at the Lumbee Regional Development Association (LRDA) Complex –636 Prospect Rd. and surrounding grounds at 698 Prospect Rd. across from UNCP in Pembroke…finishing with a Gospel Sing and Spectacular Fireworks show Saturday night the 8th! The LRDA says there are 60,000 Lumbee tribe members in the U.S. – and the 2023 Lumbee Homecoming plans on welcoming 30,000 of them this week!
(Interview with Travis Bryant – CEO of the LRDA)
Thank you, Travis Bryant. Again, the web address is Lumbee.org. Lumbee.org.
(3) Friday night the 7th at Fayetteville’s Gates Four Golf and Country Club the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre presents Cash and the King. A ticketed event featuring tributes to two of America’s most loved music stars – Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley. Wonderful heavy ours-dourves by the well-known, highly regarded Two Brothers Catering. Tickets are going. Make your reservations at FayettevilleDinnerTheater-dot-com. FayettevilleDinnerTheater-dot-com.
One of featured performers (in a tribute to the late Johnny Cash – is a former Army soldier turned entertainer – Mark Gagnon – who was joined by Bill Bowman of Up and Coming Weekly and Rivermist’s Greg Adair.
Cash and the King – A highly entertaining ticketed musical tribute to two of America’s most loved music stars – Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley – is Friday night. Make your reservations at FayettevilleDinnerTheater-dot-com. FayettevilleDinnerTheater-dot-com.