Bryan County didn't wait until the Fourth of July to celebrate America's independence.

Pembroke hosted its fifth annual patriotic picnic and concert Wednesday at First Baptist Church. The community picnic was followed by a concert by members of the 3rd Infantry Division Band from Fort Stewart.

Two nights later, Richmond Hill held its annual Independence Day celebration at J.F. Gregory Park. The festivities included live music by The Fundamentals, rides and water slides, food and arts and crafts vendors and the grand finale, a fireworks display.

The local events continued on the actual Fourth, as Fort McAllister State Park hosted its old-fashioned Independence Day celebration with living-history demonstrations and re-enactments — and a watermelon eating contest.

Visit http://community.bryancountynews.com/ to see the full photo galleries from the Pembroke patriotic picnic and concert, Richmond Hill Independence Day celebration and Fort McAllister Independence Day celebration.