As people gear up to celebrate the nation’s birthday, local residents have events on both ends of the county to look forward to in the days leading up to the Fourth of July holiday.
Saturday in Richmond Hill, folks can celebrate the holiday with food, music, fireworks and more. The city’s annual Fourth celebration will start at 4 p.m. in J.F. Gregory Park.
The Heart N’ Soul band will play from 6-9 p.m. at the amphitheater in the park. Other activities include family fishing, a car show and inflatable water rides. Fireworks will start around 9 p.m.
Food and beverages will be on sale during the event, but no alcohol or glass containers are allowed. There is no charge for the evening’s events.
Earlier that day, the Whistlestop Farmer’s Market will host a patriotic-themed market in Pembroke from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. According to Pembroke’s Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Sharroll Fanslau, the market will offer snow cones, a giant water slide for children, patriotic photos and all the usual vendors.
Then on Sunday, the city of Pembroke, in conjunction with First Baptist Church of Pembroke, will host its second annual patriotic picnic and concert featuring the 3rd ID Ceremonial Band.
The free community picnic will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the concert inside the church at 7 p.m. The 3rd ID’s Maj. Gen. Robert Abrams will be the special guest speaker at the event, according to Pembroke Mayor Mary Warnell.
Fort Stewart will also host its “Worth Fighting For” Fourth of July program with events starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday. Residents of communities neighboring Fort Stewart are invited to attend a salute to the nation at Cottrell Field, which will include the firing of one artillery round for each of America’s 50 states. Soldiers will present Old Glory and the flags of each state and the nation’s eight territories.
On Wednesday, celebrations at Fort Stewart continue for soldiers and families beginning at 10 a.m. with children and youth activities at Newman Field. Activities will include bounce houses, water slides, character drawing, a mechanical bull and more.
Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., soldiers and their families can enjoy a variety of traditional Independence Day food, such as barbecue, sausage dogs, hot dogs and hamburgers, near the Car Care Service Center and Newman Fitness Center.
To wrap up the evening at Fort Stewart, the Independence Day begins at 6 p.m. at Donovan Field featuring country/Southern rock group Mockingbird Sun, actor/singer/songwriter Mario, and country singer Martina McBride. A 30-minute fireworks show will follow the concert.
Also on Wednesday, Fort McAllister will host its annual Fourth of July program starting at 10 a.m. at the state historic park. The family friendly day will feature live firing demonstrations from Civil War re-enactors, period-era games and more. Pack a lunch but be sure to save room for watermelon. Cost is $6.50 for adults and $3.75 for children.
For more information about events at Fort McAllister, visit www.gastateparks.org/FortMcAllister.
For more information about the July 4 celebrations at Fort Stewart, visit www.stewartmwr.com.