Winston Area Independence Day Celebration Draws Huge Turnout, Organizer Calls Parade Likely Biggest in City History

WINSTON - Winston’s Independence Day celebration brought out a major crowd this year, with organizers calling it one of the biggest nights the community has seen for the annual fireworks event.

In a video shared after the celebration, Winston Area Independence Day organizer Onikka Driscoll thanked the community, volunteers, sponsors, public safety agencies, vendors and everyone who helped bring the event together.

Driscoll said she was especially proud of the turnout and the parade, saying she believes it may have been the biggest parade Winston has ever seen.

“Holy smokes,” Driscoll said while thanking those who helped coordinate the parade. “I believe that that is the biggest parade that Winston has ever seen.”

The celebration included the parade, car show, vendors, live entertainment, the fireworks display and other community activities throughout the day. Driscoll gave special thanks to the WAID team, including those who helped coordinate vendors, the car show, power, trash, parking, cleanup and other behind-the-scenes work.

She also thanked Winston police, local fire departments, and Western Display Fireworks, noting that crews helped keep the event safe and assisted with cleanup afterward.

Driscoll said the support from local churches, businesses and surrounding properties also played a major role by allowing people to park nearby. She said those partnerships helped make it possible for thousands of people to attend and enjoy the evening.

The event also carried a personal meaning for many involved. Driscoll said this year’s celebration was special as the community remembered loved ones who are no longer here while bringing families together for a shared night under the fireworks.

“It’s about families and kids and pulling people together,” she said. “At 10 o’clock, we were all looking up at the same thing in the sky.”

WAID organizers are already looking ahead to next year and are encouraging community members to get involved. Driscoll said volunteers are needed throughout the year, not just on the day of the fireworks show.

Anyone interested in helping with future Winston Area Independence Day events is encouraged to attend a WAID meeting or follow the organization for future volunteer opportunities.

A video taken of the parade can be found here.