June 23-Local Fourth Festivities

A variety of events are being planned to celebrate the Fourth of July next weekend, as Ocean City and Ocean Pines offer family-friendly events for locals and visitors alike.

In Ocean City

The resort is offering two great places to celebrate the holiday, both presenting free concerts and fireworks.

Festivities begin at 8 p.m. with a free concert at Northside Park located at 127^th Street and the bay. Dr. K's Motown Review will entertain the crowd. The spectacular fireworks display will be shot from the west side of the park at 9:30 p.m. You'll hear the oohs and aahs throughout the park as the colorful displays light up the evening sky. Get there early to claim the best location to view the fireworks.

Those who prefer to spend the Fourth of July on the south end of town can enjoy Ocean City's famous Boardwalk with its bright lights, wonderful food and family fun.

Bring your beach chair or blanket and claim a spot on the beach at North Division Street for a free concert at 8 p.m. Rick K and the Allnighters will provide the holiday entertainment. Fabulous fireworks will also fill the sky over the ocean beginning at 9:30 p.m.

Parking is limited at both the north and south fireworks locations. It is recommended that you take the bus. Bus service is $2 a day and runs 24 hours a day. The West Ocean City Park & Ride on Route 50 is just west of the Route 50 Bridge and offers free parking and $1 shuttle service to downtown.

In Ocean Pines

Inland, the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department has a two-day celebration planned for Independence Day this year.

A 'Celebration of our Freedom' will be held with the Ocean Pines Recreation & Parks Department co-sponsoring fireworks with Ocean Downs. The fireworks will be held on Friday, July 3 at 7 p.m. A host of family activities are planned including face painting, children games, entertainment and more. The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks show to start shortly after dark. Seating is available in the grandstand or bring a blanket and kick back in the infield and watch the magic. There will be plenty of free parking available.

On July 4, the Ocean Pines Recreation Department is sponsoring an 'All American' day of fun. From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Sports Core Pool, families are invited to a pool party. The day's activities will include a disc jockey, face painting, moon bounces, carnival games, refreshments and more. The moon bounce is $5 for unlimited rides with a wristband. Admission is free to pool members; all others pay the regular daily pool rate.

For all the week's news, see The Dispatch on Friday morning.