Cason, an 11-week-old German shepherd mix, is available for adoption at the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Animal Protective Services Animal Shelter.

The festival will kick off with a free community event from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14.

“Oysters help to keep our waters clean and they do that by filtering our water. One oyster is capable of filtering up to 50 gallons of water a day. They also make for really, really important fish habitats. So many animals are using our oyster reefs and our estuaries as a place to live, feed and reproduce,” Mitchell said.

This weekend marks the 41st North Carolina Oyster Festival.

"Things like barnacles growing all over your gear or all over your oysters are a challenge. So, all kinds of things to contend with as an oyster farmer.” said the owner of Hold Fast Oyster Company in Sneads Ferry.

Ana Brown, a Wilmington artist, turns oyster shells into a work of art.

From the parade to the fireworks, North Carolina’s Fourth of July Festival is full of tradition.

Here's a look at the traffic patterns for the N.C. 4th of July Festival.

It's been two years since the Southport Firefighter Freedom competition. This year, the long awaited competition will be making its return and turning up the heat.

It’s one of the highlights of the annual N.C. 4th of July Festival Beach Day.