(From June 29, 2007)

The Greensboro Children's Museum is kicking off Fourth of July celebrations at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, July 2, with an inaugural Tricycle & Wagon Parade. The parade will occur inside the Museum, with decoration beginning at 9:30 and the parade at 10 a.m. (No bikes or training wheels permitted). And though the Museum is closed on the Fourth, they will participate at the Children's Village during Greensboro's Fun Fourth Festival.

The Fine Art Museum at Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, will exhibit work by four students from the university's graduate program in fine arts, with an opening reception from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, July 13, and remaining through August 3.

High Point Museum is hosting "It's A-Maize-Ing!" on Thursday, July 12, 10 a.m.-noon, for ages 4-7, and Tuesday, July 17 from 9 to noon, for ages 8-12 (fee charged, advance registration required at 336-885-1859). The Pastimes in the Park program for July 14 and 15 is "Make Your Own Bed the Old-Fashioned Way!"

The McColl Center for Visual Art, Charlotte, has a series of workshops set for July 14 (Chine Colle'), July 23 (Two-Color Block Printing), July 28 (Jewelry) and August 11 (Watercolor Silkscreen). Fees vary; space is limited; and registration is required -- contact Christopher Lawing at (704) 332-5535 or visit the website for details.

The Cameron Art Museum, Wilmington, has several public programs on tap, including a Gallery Talk with Mark Sorensen, Assistant Professor in Costume Design at UNCW, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 1 (admission by donation); and "Though the Stage Door" at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 6 ($15, cash bar available - tickets available at www.manystoriestotell.com).

The N.C. Museum of History, Raleigh, will present Pirates Ahoy! for children ages 5-8, with adult, from 10-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 21 (fee charged; call 919-807-7992 by July 13 to register).