By admin 
GARNER, N.C. (WNCN) — The Garner Independence Day Celebration fireworks spectacular is a moment everyone raves about each year.
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“Just the big boom is amazing,” said a Garner resident.
And America isn’t the only one celebrating big.
“That’s why my shirt says America is turning 250 and I’m turning 50,” said one attendee.
Our CBS 17 team stopped by Close Fire BBQ to see what the top item on their menu is.
“That’s a tough one; it depends on the day of the week, but right now the smoke smash burgers- we smoke our burger fresh, and then we smash it out with pickles and cheese, best thing on our menu,” said Close Fire BBQ owner Efrim Borders.
Fireworks at Lake Benson Park in Garner. (Greg Funderburg) 
Fireworks at Lake Benson Park in Garner. (Greg Funderburg) 
Fireworks at Lake Benson Park in Garner. (Greg Funderburg)
The Brickhouse live performance band kept things fun despite the NC Symphony having to pull out of the event due to the extreme heat.
Nonprofits like the Community Navigators and Community Builders were also there, helping keep the communities that make up our country in mind. They were there to celebrate and host a fundraiser for their leadership program.
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“The money is going to pour back into pretty much the organization and help us to build off what we already have,” said Grace.
Several organizations set up tents at the Garner fireworks event at Lake Benson Park. (Greg Funderburg) 
Several organizations set up tents at the Garner fireworks event at Lake Benson Park. (Greg Funderburg)
It was the same for Scouting America.
“This event helps us pay for the rest of the year between our insurance and registration, and we want to be able to take these scouts camping and fishing and learning things, and this opportunity really helps us,” said a Scouting America Spokesperson.
It’s a boost that shows this community is always ready to come together.
“It is a testament to what our nation and our state were really built on: that community is strong here,” said Miss Garner 2026.
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The weather may have been brutal, but it didn’t stop this fun celebration for the kids and adults.
“I think my favorite has always been the inflatables,” said Miss Garner’s Teen.
“It’s a lot better weather than we thought it was going to be,” said a Garner resident.
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