Fireworks

HAGERSTOWN -- Under an uninterrupted sun and cloudless sky, canopies sprang up above the crunching brown grass Sunday as vendors and early birds set up for the Fourth of July fireworks at Fairgrounds Park. By 5 p.m., as the pace of people entering the park began to pick up, the temperature was 96 degrees, but several families had been set up for hours. "This is the best thing Hagerstown does for free," said Donna Thompson, who was with a couple dozen family members under four canopies.

Friday, July 2 Boonsboro BOONSBORO - Independence Day celebration features Rohrersville Cornet Band, activities and food. Starts at 5 p.m. Fireworks at dusk. Shafer Park. Rain date is July 5. Smithsburg carnival SMITHSBURG - Carnival rides, concert by Elvis tribute artist Kevin Booth. Fireworks at dusk. Smithsburg Community Volunteer Fire Co. grounds. Call 301-824-2889. Saturday, July 3 Salute to Independence SHARPSBURG - The Maryland Symphony Orchestra will perform patriotic music beginning at 7:30 p.m. Antietam National Battlefield, off Sharpsburg Pike, south of Hagerstown.

SHARPSBURG -- National Park Service employees have pretty much finished preparing for the annual fireworks celebration Saturday night at Antietam National Battlefield. A few technicians were the only ones racing around Thursday afternoon performing sound checks on the speaker system. Ed Wenschhof Jr., chief park ranger at Antietam National Battlefield, said the last piece of the puzzle will be laid Saturday when the Maryland Army National Guard brings in howitzers to fire during the "1812 Overture.

Smithsburg Community Volunteer Fire Co. will host its annual carnival Monday, June 28 through Saturday, July 3. Event features music, food, amusement rides and games. Entertainment at 7 and 10 p.m. nightly. Monday, karaoke; Tuesday, June 29, Back Creek Valley Boys; Wednesday, June 30, Dimestore Profit; Thursday, July 1, Compromise; Friday, July 2, Elvis tribute artist Kevin Booth, plus fireworks; Saturday, jam session. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 2. Carnival grounds to rear of the fire hall, 22 N. Main St. Unlimited rides, $15. For information, visit http://www.

Dick Rose, of Waynesboro, Pa., purchases and exchanges tickets with volunteer Denise Heck for the upcoming WaynesboroFest. The triennial, 10-day festival celebrates the town's history and pride. Although Friday's kickoff breakfast has been canceled, the opening day still features a quilt exhibit, Pen Mar memorabilia exhibit, tailgate party and fireworks. Events later in the festival include bus tours, a performance by the U.S. Marine Band, a parade, and wine and food tastings. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.herald-mail.

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. -- The 225th anniversary of Franklin County's founding will be celebrated Monday with a parade, contests and fireworks. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and follows the Chambersburg Christmas Parade route. Afterward, The Capitol Theatre will host Benfest, featuring three men portraying the county's namesake, Ben Franklin. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. The "Bens" will judge a birthday cake contest as well as several others, including the oldest person, youngest person and longest beard.

Moose lodge picks new home Fireworks around the area Boy struck by vehicle remains in critical condition Angela Nicole Bowser-Camilletti, 23 Cat rescue attempts continue

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. -- Officials said the big crowds usually don't start rolling in until about 6 p.m., but the July 4 celebration at War Memorial Park was in high gear by mid-afternoon Saturday. A family reunion was under way at a picnic pavilion, where the group of more than 35 people held hands around a smoking grill to give thanks for their food. "Amen!" the crowd yelled in unison at the end of the prayer. The reunion used to be held in a backyard, but family members decided to move it to the park, partly because of the big July 4 celebration, said Dottie Johnson of Martinsburg.

Independence Day is cause to celebrate being an American, whether you were born here or emigrated for the promise of a better life. Don't let this Fourth of July pass by without a proper celebration. Sarah on planning ahead: If you wake up on the Fourth wondering what to do, it's probably not going to be too memorable. Take a few minutes this week to plan some activities that will make the day feel special. If you're stumped for ideas, break down the day into four parts: a special morning event (often a parade)

TRI-STATE -- People celebrate Independence Day in a variety of ways, from cooking outside and lighting fireworks to going to the beach or another vacation spot. Dressed in an Uncle Sam outfit, 16-year-old Havanah Symonds of Waynesboro, Pa., danced around the Wal-Mart parking lot Thursday trying to bring attention to the TNT Fireworks stand. "I'm just working here today," she said. "Denise (Lancaster) called me up and asked if I wanted to work. " The fireworks stand is being hosted by the Otterbein Church in an effort to raise money for its youth choir, of which Symonds is a member.