Six-year-olds Elysia King (left) and Eve Marquez have a “bubble party” at Romare Bearden Park on Saturday July 4, 2026.
Ali Costellow
ali.costellow@charlotteobserver.com
Through the lens of our visual journalists, a moment in time is captured and becomes part of our history.
Each week the Charlotte Observer will present a selection of images that document communities.
This feature can be seen in Sunday’s newspaper and on our online Edition at eedition.charlotteobserver.com
Six-year-olds Elysia King (left) and Eve Marquez have a “bubble party” at Romare Bearden Park on Saturday July 4, 2026. Ali Costellow ali.costellow@charlotteobserver.com
Eza Omar poses for a portrait outside of the Islamic Center of Charlotte in Charlotte, N.C., on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
Robert Harrington is sworn in as Charlotte’s 60th mayor on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Government building. Harrington succeeded Former Mayor Vi Lyles and will fill the position until December 2027. Ali Costellow ali.costellow@charlotteobserver.
Charlotteans spend their Independence Day at Romare Bearden Park on Saturday July 4, 2026. Ali Costellow ali.costellow@charlotteobserver.com
The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra perform on Truist Field on Saturday July 4, 2026 as a part of the annual Stars and Stripes Spectacular. Ali Costellow ali.costellow@charlotteobserver.com
Children cool off from the record-breaking Independence Day heat on Saturday July 4, 2026 at Romare Bearden Park. Temperatures nearly reached 100 degrees. Ali Costellow ali.costellow@charlotteobserver.com
Youngsters enjoy riding their e-bikes down Westfield Road in Charlotte, NC on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
This year’s annual Stars and Stripes Spectacular on Truist Field featured a performance from the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra on Saturday July 4, 2026. Ali Costellow ali.costellow@charlotteobserver.com
Fireworks light the Charlotte skyline for the United States’ 250th birthday on Saturday July 4, 2026 at Truist Field. Ali Costellow ali.costellow@charlotteobserver.com
Mayor Robert Harrington succeeds Former Mayor Vi Lyles and will fill the position until December 2027. Ali Costellow ali.costellow@charlotteobserver.com
