By Maggie Beamguard
Insider Editor
As America gets ready to observe its 250th year of independence this summer, Seven Lakes communities plan to celebrate with a season of hometown traditions and festivities.
From concerts and fireworks to fundraisers and family fun, this summer’s calendar offers a variety of memory-making opportunities.
Fish Fry Benefit
Seven Lakes Fire and Rescue, 718 Seven Lakes Dr, West End, NC, will host a fish fry benefit June 19 to support retired Moore County EMS Major Mike Allred. Allred had a 45-year career in emergency medical services including nearly 22 years serving Moore County residents.
Allred experienced a stroke, which has led to his retirement and ongoing treatment. Organizers say all proceeds from the event will go directly toward Allred’s medical expenses.
The takeout-only fish fry will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Plates are $14 and include fried catfish, flounder, coleslaw, hushpuppies and fries.
Pickleball Fundraiser
Pickleball players and supporters are invited to rally for a good cause during the first annual “Play with Purpose” fundraiser June 20 at The Pickle Place in Seven Lakes, 116 Edgewater Drive West End, NC.
The all-day event from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. benefits the Still Us Foundation, a nonprofit working to create a more connected and compassionate model of dementia care for patients, caregivers and frontline healthcare workers.
Participants can reserve pickle or tennis courts throughout the day with proceeds supporting the foundation’s mission. The fundraiser will also feature a silent auction, 50/50 raffle and a bake sale by the Women of Seven Lakes and concessions. The cost is $40 per person.
For more information visit thepickleplacenc.com or stillus.org.
North and South
Residents of Seven Lakes North and South can look forward to a lineup of family-friendly activities and Fourth of July traditions.
An afternoon of pool fun is being planned from 1-4 p.m. on July 3, including games, music and freeze pops.
Annual Independence Day traditions return July 4 with a boat parade at 9 a.m. on Sequoia Lake followed by a golf cart parade at 10 a.m. beginning at the North mail house and travelling around Firetree Lane before returning.
A bike parade begins at 10:45 a.m., following a route along East Shenandoah, Millstone and Cardinal before returning to the mailhouse. Prizes will be awarded for “Most Patriotic” and “Most Original Entries.”
Food trucks will begin serving near the pool area before relocating to Sequoia Lake at 5 p.m. The evening concludes with fireworks after dark over the lake.
Seven Lakes West
Seven Lakes West will host a summer filled with lakeside concerts and community gatherings from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The 2026 Summer Concert series began on May 23 with TJ Cogburn performing at the Community Center Pool during the community’s summer kick-off.
Additional performances will be at Johnson Point Marina, including Amanda Acoustics and Company on June 20, Grey Abby Band on July 5 and the Mark McKinney Band on Aug. 15.
Independence festivities begin July 3 with fireworks at dusk followed by the decorated boat parade on July 4. Boat parade participants should gather near the Lake Auman dam at 10:45 a.m.
The celebration continues July 5 with a decorated golf cart parade beginning at the Community Center at 3:30 p.m. and ending at the marina in time for the evening concert.
The concert series concludes Sept. 5 with a luau-themed Labor Day weekend celebration featuring Reflection II at the Community Center pool.
Contact Maggie Beamguard at maggie@thepilot.com.
