If you’re looking for a way to celebrate America’s birthday this July 4, there’s plenty to do and both Richmond Hill and Pembroke have celebrations planned.
Up first is Richmond Hill’s annual Independence Day celebration, which is from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday at J.F. Gregory Park. It is billed as a family-friendly event with “entertainment, a wide variety of food choices, arts and crafts vendors, inflatables and more with the fireworks show ending the day at 9 p.m.,” according to a press release.
Those who come to watch the fireworks are “encouraged to bring blankets or chairs to watch live entertainment and fireworks. Coolers will be permitted, however no pets, glass bottles, skateboards, golf carts or alcoholic beverages are permitted,” the release said.
Pembroke’s event is at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 4, at the J. Dixie Harn Community Center downtown. It is organized by Pembroke American Legion Post 164 and the city.
Both cities have put out patriotic displays in advance of the holiday.
Much of the business district and downtown Richmond Hill is decked out in red white and blue, with American flags lining Highway 144 and at the crossroads, and city hall is lit up with red, white and blue lights after dark. Pembroke erected 162 flags and crosses honoring local veterans Wednesday, and the July 4 ceremony will include a presentation of new flags and crosses that was postponed Memorial Day due to bad weather. World War II veterans and their spouses will also be recognized.
The display along Highway 280 in downtown Pembroke is a project involving both the city and American Legion Post 164.
Other areas events include Fort McAllister State Park’s annual Independence Day celebration from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. There will be Civil War re-enactor drills, including a baseball game from the era, and watermelon. No reservations needed. Admission is $9, parking is $5. Call 912-727-2339 for information.
On Fort Stewart, a soldier and family picnic at Newman Field is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 4. It includes games, food, inflatables, swimming, bowling and more.
The event is free for active duty military and their families.
However, a free concert featuring fireworks, the rock band 3 Doors Down, country due LOCASH and the rhythm and blues group Jagged Edge is open to the public. The concert begins at 7 p.m. Gates 2 and 3 on post will open to the public at 4 p.m. and admission to the concert opens at 5:30 p.m.
Details are available at www.marneindependenceday.com.
Finally, Fort Morris State Historic Site in Liberty County will have its annual free Independence Day Colonial Faire from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on July 4. There will be games of skill, prizes, colonial music and more.
The event is sponsored by Friends of Fort Morris. For more information call 912-884-5999 or email fortmorris@coastalnow.net.
