The town’s July 4 Festival kicks off this coming Monday and continues through next Saturday, when the third annual Seth Bailey Car Show, traditional parade, games in Bullitt Park and evening concerts will be followed by a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.

In addition to next Saturday’s events, the week-long Independence Day celebration features a magic show, two concerts in Miner’s Park, a pet show and a pool party with a luau theme and gobs of competitions and prizes.

Parents are invited to come by the parks and recreation office and pick up decorating kits for youngsters who want to put streamers, stickers and balloons on their bike or favorite riding toy and participate in the parade.

EVENTS

In the event of rain, events in Miner’s Park will move to Carnes Gym. Folks attending park events are invited to bring their own lawn chairs. Some seating will be provided.

Monday, June 29: The celebration kicks off at 7 p.m. in Miner’s Park with the Joseph Young Magic Show, featuring Young’s award-winning eight-minute Rubick’s Cube manipulation act, plus magic and comedy routines that will fill an hour-long slot.

Tuesday, June 30: Big Stone Gap native Melvin Dillon, an acoustic guitarist and songwriter who recently completed an extensive performance tour for a Chicago recording company, brings his unique brand of “Appalachian Soul” to Miner’s Park at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, July 1: The Pet Show at the Big Stone Gap Wal-Mart features competition categories for Furriest Pet, Best Trick, Most Unusual Pet, Owner Look-Alike and Best Costume. Entry fee is 50 cents per category with proceeds going to the local PAWS chapter. Wal-Mart provides all prizes. In the event of rain, the Pet Show will be canceled.

Thursday, July 2: Regional favorites Tyler Hughes and The Generation Gap present a 7 p.m. concert at Miner’s Park. Hughes, joined by Bernita and David Jervis, present a variety of audience pleasing music.

Friday, July 3: The annual Pool Bash for all ages will be from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Archery Range Swimming Pool. Contests will include Best Dive, Biggest Splash, Fastest Swimmer, a Greased Watermelon Chase, and more, all divided into age groups. New this year is the Slip ‘n’ Slide race. In the event of thunder and lightning, the event will be canceled.

JULY 4 LINEUP

11 a.m. — The day begins with the 3nd Annual Seth Bailey Memorial Car Show, this year at the Winky Witt lot across from the First Baptist Church on Wood Avenue.

Registration is from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Entry fee is $15. Trophies go to the top 10 cars. Proceeds go to the Ronald McDonald House in Johnson City, Tenn., where many area families stay while a loved one is receiving medical treatment.

2 p.m. — Parade starts from the Food City parking lot and goes down Wood Avenue to Bullitt Park.

Characters in the parade will include Spongebob, Hulk, Scooby Doo, Dora and Batman.

3 p.m. — Free games in Bullitt Park.

4 p.m. — Characters in the park.

4 to 6 p.m. — Jim Chapman will have his train, Moon Walk and Swings, and a surprise ride.

5 p.m. — Bingo at the second pavilion, Horse Shoe tourney by the Greenbelt sign.

6:30 p.m. — Concert by Hunter Neece and the Signatures.

7:05 p.m. — Buddy Delp and Angel Meford concert.

7:45 p.m. — Satellite Seven.

8:30 p.m. — Concert by Cody Mabe and band.

9:30 p.m. — Fireworks show.

July 4 Festival t-shirts, designed by Rick Gilliam at Fitcon Graphics, will be sold at the parks and recreation department, during Miner’s Park and pool events, and on July 4 at the park.

Questions? Call the parks and recreation office at 523-0115 during normal business hours.