Celebrating America’s birthday means fireworks, parades and cookouts everywhere on July 4, giving Shelby County residents many options for how to spend their holiday.

While most celebrations feature a fireworks show, a few unique activities like flag making and a Southern Gospel concert are possibilities as well.

The American Village in Montevallo draws thousands of people to their Independence Day 1776 event, which boasts “Alabama’s Best Up Close and Personal Fireworks Show.”

“You’ll come out here and have great food and fireworks but also learn something about why America is the great nation that it is and what our country is all about,” said Special Projects Coordinator Johnny Curry.

The celebration begins at noon and ends after the fireworks show. It includes colonial games for kids, costumed historical interpreters, pie-eating contests, sword swallowers and fire-eaters, Revolutionary War artillery demonstrations and live music.

“If you have that patriotic stir and feel about your country, there’s no better place to celebrate it than a place that celebrates the 233 years of what America is all about,” Curry said.

Independence Day 1776

American Village hosts Independence Day 1776 on July 4, 2009 from noon-10 p.m. Adults and children 6 and over are $5. All active military and veterans and children 5 and under are free.

Helena’s 4th of July Celebration

Helena will hold its 4th of July Celebration on July 4 from 1-9 p.m. at Helena Amphitheater Park. Family activities, music and fireworks will be provided. For more information, visit Cityofhelena.org.

A Southern Gospel 4th of July

A Southern Gospel celebration will be held July 4 at 104 Garrett Road in Vincent off Highway 25. The event will be sponsored by Don Garrett. There will be an open mic from 2-5 p.m. The main concert will be at 6:30 p.m. featuring Southern Harmony, Heartmen Quartet and New Vision. Everyone is invited to bring a lawn chair. RSVP for open mic by calling 672–7862.

Rainy Day Patriots Tea Party

Rainy Day Patriots Tea Party will be held on July 4 at Verizon Wireless Music Center from 5:30-9 p.m. The Rainy Day Patriots will host Birmingham/Shelby County “Tea Party – A Celebration of Freedom” to protest big government spending and to support a return to the constitutional republic our forefathers fought and died to create. For more information, contact Zan Green at zan@rainydaypatriots.org or 910-0862.

The Big Kaboom

The city of Chelsea will celebrate America’s birthday with its annual The Big Kaboom event July 3. Fireworks will light the sky over Chelsea Park off U.S. 280 beginning at 9 p.m. There will also be pre–fireworks entertainment beginning at 8 p.m. and free soft drinks.

Flag Making

Saturday, July 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Oak Mountain State Park’s B-Side Pavilion in the Campground

Join Oak Mountain State Park’s Naturalist Emily Cohen and show your patriotism by making a flag to celebrate the 4th of July.

Train Ride

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum will conduct train rides at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.

Indian Springs Village Celebration

Indian Springs will have a parade and music from DJ Ray Halvorsen at the Indian Springs Village Pavilion behind Town Hall. Parade registration begins at 10 a.m., with the parade at 10:30.

Greystone Country Club Carnival

Greystone Country Club will have music and kid-friendly activities beginning at 4 p.m. with fireworks at dusk.

Harpersville

Morgan Creek Vineyards will have fireworks from 6-9 p.m.