Always active in celebrating those that preserve the nation’s freedom, the City of Elizabethton and Elizabethton Parks & Recreation are looking to make this year’s Fourth of July one that citizens will always remember.

Both entities, along with other community sponsors, are putting the pieces together for the annual Independence Day Celebration, set for Wednesday, July 4, at Covered Bridge Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with other activities expected to take place later in the evening at Joe O’Brien Field.

Mike Mains, Parks & Rec director, said the department is hoping to see the celebration continue its growth and praised the efforts of the entire staff, including Program Coordinator Kelly Kitchens, for the continual evolvement of the celebration.

Staff are always looking to add and build upon different measures for each event, Mains said. This year’s event will feature a bevy of activities at Covered Bridge Park, including a patriotic opening ceremony at noon, patriotic pup and bike parade across Elk Avenue Bridge at 2 p.m. and a slew of musical performers, vendors and inflatables being available to the public.

One of the community partners for the event is Dancer’s Dreams Performing Arts Academy. While youthful dancers will have the chance to show off their dancing ability, the academy is also hosting the annual Miss Firecracker Beauty Pageant, geared for ages from birth to 16 years and older.

Amy Simmons, academy director, said the pageant is to give children a chance to be involved in the celebration and perform in front of a crowd. Each year, the event tends to be a crowd favorite with area children often vying for top prizes in their respective age groups.

More information on the event can be viewed at the DDPAA – Dancer’s Dream Performing Arts Academy Facebook page.

The current lineup for events at Covered Bridge Park include:

• Miss Firecracker Pageant registration – 9:45 to 10:30 a.m.

• DDPAA performance – 10:40 to 10:45 a.m.

• Miss Firecracker Pageant – 11 a.m.

• Patriotic bike and pup parade registration – 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• Patriotic opening ceremony – noon

• Retroville – 12:20 p.m.

• Bike Parade – 2 p.m.

• Pup Parade – 2:15 p.m.

• Parade award winners – 2:30 p.m.

• Jerry Pierce Band – 2 p.m.

Following events at Covered Bridge Park, action will shift to Joe O’Brien Field as the Elizabethton Twins host the Kingsport Mets at 7 p.m. Gates for the game open at 6 p.m. and following the contest, Snap-on Tools will cap off the night with a fireworks show.

To learn more about the event, visit the Parks & Rec website or call (423) 547-6441.