The July 4 holiday is bringing numerous activities to the area to celebrate the country’s 231st birthday. Here are some area events to enjoy:
Fort McAllister
Ft. McAllister will host a Civil War celebration for Independence Day 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. July 4. There will be wheelbarrow races, croaker sack races, checker championship and more. Cost is $4 adults; $2.50 youth; free for active military and their families with current military ID. Call 727-2339.
Liberty County
There will be an Independence Day Colonial Faire at Fort Morris State Historic Site in east Liberty County.
It is a day of games and music from Georgia’s colonial era, along with living and military demonstrations from that time, as well as opening and closing ceremonies, prizes and musket and cannon firings. Jamie Keena will provide music.
Re-enactors will portray Georgia’s signers of the Declaration of Independence, Lyman Hall, Button Gwinnett and George Walton. They will mingle with the crowd.
The fair runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday and admission to the park that day is free, thanks to funding from Flemington’s motel tax.
The park is seven miles east of I-95’s Midway exit and has picnic facilities. Signs lead to the park. For more information, call 884-5999 or visit www.gastateparks.org.
Statesboro-Mill Creek
Statesboro will celebrate the 4th with festivities at Mill Creek Park starting at 4 p.m. There will be amusement rides, inflatable games, a rock wall and tons of other activities. Live music starts at 7 p.m. and fireworks begin at dark. For more information contact 489-2087.
Fireworks on ocean
Tybee Island’s Independence Day fireworks are set for 9:15 p.m. July 4. The fireworks will be staged from the Walter Parker Pier at the south end of the island. Go to www.cityoftybee.org/Linksaspx for more information. With one highway on and off the island it’s also good to give yourself lots of time to get to and away from the celebration.
Fireworks along the river
The Savannah River Street Association puts on its fireworks beginning at approximately 9:20 p.m. July 4 on River Street. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with live entertainment on the plaza, ice cream eating contests and more. Call 234-0295 or go to www.riverstreetsavannah.com. It’s a good idea to go early and plan to take your time getting out of downtown Savannah.
Fort Pulaski
Celebrate the Fourth at Fort Pulaski 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday. There will be cannon firings, soldier and music demonstrations, and a re-creation of a historic 1862 game of baseball.
Go to www.nps.gov/fopu or call 786-5787.
Big band salute
Friends of Johnny Mercer will put on a Patriotic Big Band Salute at 6 p.m. July 4 at the Lucas Theatre, 32 Abercorn St. Proceeds benefit the organization. The $25 tickets also reserve seats on River Street for the fireworks display. Call 525-5050 or go to www.lucastheatre.com for more information.
Fort King George
The Darien historic site will have its July 4 celebration from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 4, at the fort. There will be free watermelon and lemonade. Admission is $2.50-$5; group rates are available. Call 437-4770 or go to www.gastateparks.org/ fortkinggeorge.
Family Festival
Richmond Hill celebrates the birthday with a festival for the whole family starting at noon on July 7 in J.F. Gregory Park. A fun run begins at 8 a.m. Events include fireworks, BBQ dinners, Richmond Hill Idol Contest finals, NASCAR simulator, a human pinball machine and more. Call 756-4075 or 756-4626, or go to www.rhrasports.com.