From 1776 to the present day, the Fourth of July is celebrated as the birth of America's independence with celebrations ranging from fireworks, parades, concerts, and more.  Whether you are traveling to celebrate the 4th of July or just looking for 4th of July celebrations in your own backyard, here are some of the top activities you won’t want to miss.  

Oblong Freedom Fest – June 22^nd

Freedom Fest is an oblong celebration of the fourth of July, where before you watch fireworks, there are other activities such as the annual duck race, bounce, live music, food trucks, golf cart parade, and so much more! The festival will start at 4 p.m. and go on until 10 p.m., so get ready to celebrate, and have a good time.

Carmi Fireworks Show – June 29^th

Mark your calendars for this free community event at the White County Fairgrounds in Carmi. Starting between 9:00 and 9:15 p.m., You can expect classic fair food and music. For patriotic music, you can tune into WRUL 97.3 at 9:00 p.m. Bring your picnic blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy the fireworks.

Carlyle Fireworks Spectacular – June 29^th

Enjoy a full day of live music! The DAM JAM music goes from 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Fireworks will be shot off at dusk from point 1 and can be viewed on the shore at the Dam West and Dam East Recreation Areas, or from the water! Bring your coolers, lawn chairs, blankets, and swimsuits, and enjoy the whole day. There will also be volleyball tournaments, sandcastle building contents, vendors, games, and more!

Twelve Oaks Vineyard - 4^th of July

Wine lovers must attend the Fourth of July celebration at Twelve Oaks Vineyard in Carlyle! The Fourth of July event will start at 3:00 p.m. and go until 10:00 p.m. Various food trucks will be on the property, such as Baldy’s BBQ Food Truck, Rollin Lumpia Asian Fusion, and a Hawaiian Snow Shave Ice Truck. Fireworks will kick off at dusk, and you are encouraged to bring your lawn chairs and blankets!

If you are traveling to Carlyle from out of town, here is one spot you will want to visit! Check out Oh So Sweet Bakery & Café. They have different pastry items such as donuts, muffins, cupcakes, and more. They also have some breakfast items like avocado toast, and lunch items include salads and paninis.

Firework Spectacular Olney 4^th of July

For those in the eastern part of our region Richland County Fairgrounds are having Olney’s Firework Spectacular. Fireworks will start at dusk, so grab your picnic blankets and lawn chairs, and come on over and enjoy the fireworks display this Fourth of July. Admission is free, and there will be live music during the event too.

If you plan to be in Olney all day, not only can you see their famous white squirrels, but you can also stop at one of our favorite donut shops! Daylight Donuts are baked fresh daily, and they also serve coffee for those who need the caffeine boost. Daylight Donuts consists of original glaze, honey bun style donuts, maple bacon donuts, and filled donuts. Also, breakfast and lunch items include breakfast sandwiches and for lunch chicken sandwiches, Italian beef sandwiches with cheese curds, and other items you will be sure to enjoy. To see if they have specialty donuts check their Facebook page for updates.

Bond County Fourth Fest July 4^th- 6^th

The Bond County Fourth Fest in Greenville features nationally touring bands! Visitors can enjoy fireworks, food, beer, and youth play area/bounce houses. The celebration will span from the 4th through the 6th, and on July 5th the headliner for music will be Taylor Made -Taylor Swift Tribute, and on July 6th the headliner will be Shenandoah.

Burger lovers must visit Kahuna’s while in Greenville. The vibe of Kahuna’s is a fun, beach-themed atmosphere. They are known for their fresh ingredients, never frozen, one hundred percent ground beef, that they use for their delicious burgers. They also offer many homemade sauces that are used for their handcrafted salads, wraps, and quesadillas. So, enjoy Kahuna’s and get some good fresh food.

Vandalia Summerfest – 5^th & 6^th

The Vandalia Summerfest is one event that is making a large splash in our communities. It has become the place to be to celebrate the 4th in Fayette County! Listen to live music, take part in a sand volleyball tournament, enjoy food trucks, and of course fireworks! Fireworks will take place at dusk. Summerfest starts at 12:00 pm and runs until 10:00 pm, so come and enjoy a good time this upcoming fourth of July.