Good morning, Hickory.

The NC Office of State Fire Marshal is urging residents to follow fireworks safety tips as they prepare for Independence Day while facing extreme heat risks.

The agency reported that past data showed an average of 192 emergency visits per year from fireworks injuries and advised people to stay hydrated and let professionals handle fireworks — a step to help prevent further injuries.

Today, the NCDMV changed how its offices work by letting walk-in customers be served all day to help them avoid long lines and the hot sun.

Staff now check in customers quickly and send a text when it is their turn+ updates are in place at 82 of 115 offices with more changes coming soon.

Today, the N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program launched its Operation Firecracker Booze It & Lose It campaign to boost safe driving with more checkpoints and patrols before and after the holiday.

The campaign follows data from last Fourth of July weekend that showed 176 alcohol-related crashes and five fatalities — officials urge residents to plan safe rides —.

The Hickory Crawdads resumed a suspended game Friday night and lost 6—1 to the Salem Red Sox on Saturday; Maxton Martin scored the lone run in the ninth inning, and the team recorded only two hits with a 38—34 overall record.

At Tri County Motor Speedway on Friday, June 27th, Grahm Hollar won the late models race and Matt Leicht won the limiteds race.

On Saturday, June 28th, at Hickory Motor Speedway Michael Bumgarner swept both 40-lap late model races — Helio Meza won the limiteds, Cody DeMarmels took the street stocks, Charlie Neill claimed checkers in the super trucks, Dale Ogburn won the Carolina Crate Modifieds and Evan McKnight won the Carolina Pro Late Model Series.

Chess Club

6-7 p.m. — Patrick Beaver Memorial Library — Free entry — Enhance your chess skills and strategies while engaging with local enthusiasts of all levels.

All Ages Story Time

10:00 – 10:30 AM — Patrick Beaver Memorial Library — Free entry — Enjoy an engaging story time with dancing and singing for all ages.

Bottle Cap Art

2-3:30 p.m. — Patrick Beaver Memorial Library — Free entry — Create vivid collages with recycled materials at this fun and artistic event.

Story Time with Hickory Police Department

10:00 – 10:30 AM — Patrick Beaver Memorial Library — Free entry — Learn about safety from Officer Null while enjoying story time at the library.

Scanography: Plant Collages

6-7 p.m. — Patrick Beaver Memorial Library — Materials provided — Create beautiful art using greenery and florals using only a flatbed scanner.

House of Hair 80's Metal

7-11 p.m. — The Premier — $17.45+ — Experience a blast from the past with an electrifying tribute to 80's Hair Metal.

ZMAX Cars Pro Tour

4:30-10 p.m. — Hickory Motor Speedway — Check website for ticket prices — Experience the thrill of stock car racing at one of NASCAR's historic tracks.

Big Bang Boom!

10-11 a.m. — Patrick Beaver Memorial Library — Free entry — Enjoy a family-friendly rock concert perfect for kids of all ages in a cozy library setting.

Furniture Festival & Clearance Sale

9 AM – 6 PM — Hickory Furniture Mart — Free entry — Discover amazing discounts on furniture while enjoying artisan displays and demonstrations.