SOUTHPORT — It may have been a rainy day in August, but in Southport it was the Fourth of July.

Despite the wet weather people came out Wednesday for a Fourth of July parade. Crews are filming the movie adaptation of the Nicholas Sparks novel Safe Haven. Local schools, the fire department and the Boys and Girls Club took part in the parade; while others got their chance to be on screen by setting up a traffic jam scene.

One teacher said it is a great way to get the community involved in what he thinks will be a big blockbuster hit.

"I love it. I think it's a great opportunity for North Carolina to have the film industry down here in Southport. As well as being able to get local students from South Brunswick High School to participate in the parade," said South Brunswick High School instructor Mark Cashin.

Cashin said the filming is a great stimulus to the local economy.