By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
FAITH — Frank Cox has been attending Faith 4th of July week of events most of his life and remembers this year being quite a scorcher.
Cox along with his wife, Amanda, and their two children, Laura, 9, and Lily, 2, were prepared for the heat. The family had a cooler in the car with water and other cold drinks. They also find a shady spot when they can.
Rowan County saw the third straight day of record-breaking triple digit temperatures.
The closest recording of official temperatures to the Salisbury-Rowan area is Charlotte, which hit another record high of 104 degrees.
The 104-degree temperature beat the record of 99 degrees set in 1954 and tied the all time high temperature in Charlotte, said Meteorologist Neil Dixon.
Today, the Charlotte temperature is expected to be 100 degrees, Dixon said.
Despite the heat, many like Frank Cox and his family still attended Sunday, many waiting until later in the evening and many more drinking lots of water.
“I love the parade. It’s one of the best parades you’ll ever see,” Cox said.
A tradition for Amanda is to get roasted corn on the cob. It’s a must, she said.
Darrell Broadway, who was operating the roasted corn and lemonade booth said he’s just tried to stay hydrated. He actually didn’t have to go that far for hydration.
Steven Rayn only had to move to the left to feel a breeze. Rayn was operating the Paratrooper ride. As the ferris wheel-looking apparatus took its slow spin it kicked up a good breeze for Rayn.
When he’s not working, he goes for a swim to cool off.
Jenny Mercier, who was helping man a game, said keeping hydrated was key.
She made sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. She’s been working at the event for the past few days. The game, a ring toss where the winner takes a fish home had some shade, she said.
Frank Snelling tried to stay cool with a cooler filled with ice and cold soda. Snelling was operating the inflatables and was a little glad that no one was lining up to enter. It gave him a chance to sit in the shade the inflatable provided and stay cool with a fan blowing on him.
“It helps a little relaxing in the shade,” Snelling said.
The heat has hurt business, he added.
Snelling said he’s worked the event in the past and believes this has to be the lowest turnout.
The attendance should pick up as the temperature drops, he said.
Darren and Tiffany Nail have attended the event together for the last six years. The two brought their son, Lukas, 2. They plan to return for the fireworks’ show on Wednesday.
The temperature will drop slightly in the next couple of days into the high 90s.
Tonight is Dollar Night and the Faith Idol competition will continue. Event-goers might run into isolated thunderstorms that are expected in the evening.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.