Find fun events for July 4 holiday weekend

While many will travel to the beach or lake to enjoy the long July Fourth weekend, those who opt to stay close to home will have many opportunities to join others in celebrating our country’s freedom and independence. The following are just a few of the celebrations taking place throughout the Pee Dee:

Florence After Five: Fridayfrom 5:30 to 7:30 p.m in the plaza across from Central United Methodist Church (former McLeod Hospital site). The Entertainers will perform beach classics and oldies. Admission is free.

Colgate Country ShowdownFriday at 6 p.m. on Second Street in downtown Cheraw. MyFM 93.9 is accepting contestants for its local Colgate Country Showdown, which will be held in conjunction with the Cheraw Independence Celebration at 6 p.m. Friday on Second Street in downtown Cheraw. Now in its 28th year, the Colgate Country Showdown has become a tradition in country music and has been a launching point for virtually all of today’s major country acts. Brad Paisley, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Billy Ray Cyrus and Sara Evans are just a few of the past local, state and regional winners who got their start through the Showdown. For details, visit http://www.colgatecountryshowdown.com.

Hartsville’s 6th annual Family Fireworks Festival:Friday from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on the campus of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Hartsville. Parking is $1 per vehicle. If you have questions or would like to be a vendor, call (843) 332-2271 or (843) 332-6401.

Oakdale Country Club Fireworks Display:Friday at about 9 p.m. at Lake Oakdale, 3700 W. Lake Drive, Florence. A boat parade around the lake will get things started at about 9 p.m., and the fireworks display will follow at dark. Bring your lounge chairs, blankets and the whole family. The event is free and open to the public.

Spirit of Florence 2009 Celebration: Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Timrod Park and Legion Field. Events kick off with a 5K run at 8 a.m., followed by children’s activities, live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, face painting and food from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the park. Legion Field gates open at 4 p.m. with Mid Life Crisis in concert at 5 p.m., a RedWolves baseball game at 7 p.m. and a fireworks display topping off the night.

Southeastern Bluegrass Association Concert: Saturday from 3 to 9 p.m. in the concert hall at Lynches River County Park. The park is located 12 miles south of Florence. Jams begin at 3 p.m., and concerts begin at 6 p.m. For details, call Charlie Calder at (843) 669.1988.

Patriotic Motorcycle Parade: Saturday at 2 p.m. Staging will being at 1:30 p.m. at Florence Civic Center. The parade of cycles will travel down Ebeneezer Road to Palmetto Street, where it will continue to the annual VFW picnic at the VFW on Greer Road. Participating cyclists are asked to attach American, POW and military flags to their bikes, and the public is invited to show support by lining the parade route with flags waving. American servicemen and women will be honored during the picnic. Everyone is invited to attend, and all food and soft drinks will be provided by the VFW. For details, call CB Anderson at (843) 615-6307.

Patriotic Tea Party & Tailgate: Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at Florence City-Council Complex. Come out for an evening of patriotic entertainment and speakers. Bring your own food, sweet iced tea, chairs, banners and flags. Patriotic costumes are encouraged. For details, call (843) 413-2681 or e-mail .

Butler Heritage Foundation Fourth of July events: Saturday is a parade in Hartsville at 10 a.m.; basketball game at Butler Gym in Hartsville at noon, $2 adult admission fee, $1 for children 12 and younger; Family Day Celebration/Tailgate at Butler Park 2 to 7 p.m.,$10 vehicle fee; dance from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Butler Gym, $15 admission fee. For details, call (843) 332-4522 or (843) 857-9074.