ABOUT THE EVENT

Every year, Bald Head Island's iconic 4th of July Golf Cart Parade brings the whole community together. And every year, some of the fun gets left behind on our streets and beaches. But here's the thing… it doesn't just stay there.

That candy wrapper from the parade route? It's headed for the ocean. 80% of ocean plastic originates from land, and globally, 11 to 33 billion pounds enter the ocean every single year. That's two garbage trucks' worth every minute. And by 2050, plastic in the ocean is expected to outweigh fish.

So this July 4th, we're doing something about it. The moment the last cart rolls through, our island-wide cleanup begins. Because the most patriotic thing we can do for this island, and this ocean, is leave them better than we found them.

EVENT DETAILS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Date: Saturday, July 4th, 2026

Immediately following the Golf Cart Parade (~12–12:30 pm start).

Meeting Location: HQ near Old Baldy

Look for the Red, White & Clean signs.

Schedule: 12:00 / 12:30 pm kickoff & bag distribution

12:30–1:30 pm cleanup across all island zones

1:45 pm weigh-in, tree tally & Give Away drawing

What You Get: Every participant receives a waterproof eco-friendly sticker + Give Away entry. All trash bags provided.

HOW IT WORKS

01 — Watch the Parade: Enjoy BHI's beloved Golf Cart Parade with your family and friends.

02 — Grab a Bag: Head to our HQ near Old Baldy, grab supplies, and get assigned to your zone.

03 — Clean the Island: Hit the parade route, beaches, and beyond. You've got 1 hour to collect as much as you can.

04 — Weigh In & Win: The big finish. Meet back at HQ by ~1:45 pm. We'll weigh the haul and draw give away winners on the spot. Prizes you'll actually want from BHI favorites and beloved NC brands. Must be present to win!

Through our partnership with the Plastic Ocean Project's Trees4Trash program, every 25 pounds of trash collected goes toward planting a tree or native marsh plant right here on Bald Head Island. The more you collect, the more we grow.

Give Away PRIZES: TURN TRASH INTO TREASURE

Every volunteer who participates receives a Give Away ticket. Stick around for the final weigh-in to claim your prize. Generously donated by BHI favorites and beloved NC brands we love.

Big Brand Gear: Shibumi, ENO (Eagle Nest Outfitters) & High Tide Merch Co.

BHI Shopping: Bald Head Blues, Coastal Urge, Island Passage, Monkee’s, & Turtle Central

BHI Dining: Jailhouse, Jules Salty Grub & Pub, Mike’s Bites, & the Wisp

Island Experiences: BHI Conservancy, Island Retreat Spa, Old Baldy Foundation

How it works: Every participant gets one ticket automatically. You must be back at HQ by 1:45 pm for the weigh-in to be eligible for the drawing.

OUR PARTNERS:

PROUD TO WORK ALONSIDE

BEFORE YOU PARTICIPATE:

LIABILITY WAIVER

All participants are required to sign a liability waiver the day of the event.
Hard copies will be available at our HQ table in front of Old Baldy.
Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, who will also sign on their behalf.

SIGN UP: BE PART OF SOMETHING GOOD

Walk-ups are always welcome. Just show up after the parade and grab a bag. Or sign up below to get a reminder.

Questions? Email us at emily@plasticoceanproject.org.

FOOTER Red, White + Clean · A youth-led initiative by Madeline Boes. In partnership with the BHI Conservancy, Plastic Ocean Project, Bald Head Island Association, & Old Baldy Foundation · Bald Head Island, NC · July 4th, 2026

Red, White & Clean: 4th of July Island Clean-up

Bald Head Island · July 4th, 2026