This Fourth of July holiday weekend offers Liberty County residents diverse and family-friendly Independence Day events. Patriots, history buffs and beachgoers will find plenty of fun ways to celebrate.

Tonight, the annual Independence Day “Worth Fighting For” celebration at Fort Stewart continues with a Salute to the Nation at 6 p.m. on Cottrell Field. Canons will fire a salute battery round for every state in the nation, according to Fort Stewart Public Affairs.

Also tonight, beach lovers can watch fireworks light up the sky over Tybee Island starting around 9:30 p.m., just after dark. The display will be set off from Parker Pier on Tybee Island’s south beach area and therefore should be visible from any of the beaches on the east side of the island.

On Monday, Fort McAllister State Historic Park in Richmond Hill will host an Independence Day program from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Civil War re-enactors will fire special salutes for soldiers who have given their lives in battle. The event also will include period games and free watermelon. Park visitors are encouraged to pack lunches.

The park is located is at Georgia Spur 144/Fort McAllister Road. Visitors can take I-95 to exit 90 and then head east on Highway 144. Park admission is $6.50 for adults and $3.75 for children.

For more information, call 912-727-2339 or go to www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.

Troops, family members and community residents can enjoy games, activities and a free concert Monday on Fort Stewart.
The Corkan Recreation Area will be open free of charge from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Interactive games, shows and rides will be offered from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Newman Field. Kids can pet and feed animals at Sam’s Path Petting Zoo, get their faces painted and watch the Disc-Connected K9’s Frisbee dog show. Older children and adults can ride a mechanical bull or climb a “rock” wall.

A food court comprised of volunteers from local businesses, government and civic groups will serve free food to soldiers and their families from 11:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m. Hungry patrons can sample barbecue, sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers and Lowcountry boil.

The Hinesville Military Affairs Committee coordinates the food court each year. HMAC members expect to serve about 13,000 meals this year, according to HMAC hospitality co-chairman P.J. Schneider.

Then, from 6-10:30 p.m. on Donovan Field, the Zac Brown Band will perform with special guest Fantasia. Gates will open at 5 p.m. for the concert.

Fort Stewart officials urge those attending the concert to arrive early to avoid long lines.

“Please remember that vehicles without Department of Defense decals can only access Fort Stewart at the main gate on Gen. Screven Way,” Fort Stewart spokesman Kevin Larson said. “You will need your driver’s license, proof of insurance and registration.”

For concert parking, visitors should follow the signs to Donovan Field. Pets, coolers, still and video cameras, tents and beach umbrellas are not permitted on the concert grounds, Larson advised. 

The “Worth Fighting For” celebration will culminate with fireworks after the concert ends.