Fireworks, barbecue highlight patriots' holiday

The celebration has already started around the county to recognize Independence Day, but there are more fireworks to come.

Columbia County's largest fireworks display should kick off at about 9:30 p.m. tonight when the nighttime sky over Patriots Park is dark enough to serve as a backdrop to the colorful show.

The county's sponsored free event, which is held annually at Patriots Park on Columbia Road, begins at 4 p.m. and features carnival rides and games, a Wagon and Stroller Parade for kids at 5 p.m., sack races for adults and children at 5 p.m., a water-balloon toss at 6:30 p.m., a pie-eating contest at 7 p.m. and a pig-throwing contest at 7:30 p.m. during which rubber pigs are thrown for distance.

Opening ceremonies at the event begin at 6 p.m. on the main stage, located behind the gymnasium. Shiloh performs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and 8 to 9 p.m. An Elvis impersonator takes the stage at 7:30 p.m.

Anyone arriving after 6 p.m. is advised to park in the Merchants Association Fairgrounds, across from Patriots Park, county officials said.

In Grovetown, free barbecue will start being served at 12:30 p.m. today for the 17th Annual Grovetown Fourth of July Barbecue at Goodale Park. There will be a brief ceremony, invocation and an honorary award presented to Grovetown Mayor Dennis Trudeau, who founded the annual event.

Take-out plates are $4.50. Volunteers will deliver barbecue plates to anyone medically unable to attend the festivities if they call city hall at 863-4576 before Friday.

The event will also offers children's games and live performances from the Elliott Holden Band, C.D. Morris and the Southern Bluegrass Boys, Polynesian Dancers and George James and the Mountaineers.