Staff Writer

Today’s the day many Americans will fire up the grills and light up the skies and that is exactly what will be happening at the Troy Sportsplex.

Beginning at 5 p.m., the city of Troy will host the annual Independence Day celebration that promises to be bigger and better than past years.

Activities will events for children and adults, plenty of free watermelon, live musical entertainment and, of course, a patriotic ceremony topped off with a fireworks display.

For the children, there will be a water play area and games including: water balloon toss, jump rope, bubble blowing, croquet, checkers, dominoes, hula hoop, watermelon eating contest, paper airplane, rod and reel casting and hot potato.

Adults will have the opportunity to win cash in a hamburger cook-off and everyone can enjoy the sounds of Johnny Barron and The Waterfall.

Also, Cornelius Griffin of the New York Giants will be at the the July 4 event to sign autographs between 7-8 p.m. at a centrally-located tent, said Brundidge Mayor Jimmy Ramage.

A patriotic program honoring veterans, especially those who fought in the Korean Conflict 50 years ago, will begin at 8 p.m. It will feature patriotic music performed by Sheila Jackson and guest speaker State Rep. Alan Boothe, D-Troy.

The program will be followed by a fireworks display, that promises to be bigger and more spectacular than previous years, said Dan Smith, chairman of the event planning committee.

When the fireworks light up the sky, those in attendance should be pleasantly surprised.

Each year, Smith adds more money to the fireworks budget so the display is a little bigger and brighter than the year before.

When the skies darken, this year, the sparks flying will be an array of colors, plus some new things nobody here has ever seen before, Smith said of the fireworks that will feature new shells and technology.

"This year, I’m looking forward to it," Smith said of the fireworks display that will include music provided by WTBF.

This year’s setup will also allow viewers to have a great view.

"People are going to be closer than they’ve ever been," Smith said. "Fields should be packed with blankets and lawn chairs."

Smith said there will be plenty of free parking and easy access for everyone.

A traffic problem during the millennium July 4 celebration was eased last year with better flow patterns for incoming and exiting vehicles with the aid of the Troy Police Department.