LITTLE ROCK — As night falls on Saturday, hundreds will gather around the Tri-Lakes area for the customary Fourth of July fireworks show. The area offers several firework shows along with activities at the lakes and state parks.

ALPINE FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

ALPINE - The local fire department sponsors this event, held annually at the Alpine Community Center. It is said to be one of Alpine's biggest community events. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served at 7 p.m. followed by the fireworks show at 8:50. Music, horseshoes and basketball will also be available. Organizers said the only thing visitors need to bring is a lawn chair. For more information, call Nika Richardson at (870) 342-5268.

FIREWORKS AT IRON MOUNTAIN LODGE AND MARINA

ARKADELPHIA - This fireworks show can be seen by land or boat and is funded by donations from local businesses and individuals.

"The local community and tourists all enjoy this event and many of the people that have their boats at the marina contribute to the display," Lodge Manager Vickie Egleston said. She also said to arrive early because thousands will attend. For more information call (870) 246-4310.

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

BENTON - This free event also includes entertainment by Joe Lee Richards, Don Mason and Dean Mathis beginning at 6 p.m. at the Gene Moss Building at Tyndall Park. The fireworks will follow at 9.

ISLAND FESTIVAL AND FIREWORKS DISPLAY AT DEGRAY LAKE

BISMARCK - The day begins with games, contests and activities for the whole family. Games include a scavenger hunt and an underwater treasure hunt.

Then bring a lawn chair or blanket for the free fireworks show. It can be seen throughout the park, but the best spots fill up fast, organizers said. Call the parkat (501) 865-2801 for more information.

BRYANT FAMILY FEST

BRYANT - This two-day event begins Friday at Mills Park with free entertainment by Thriving Ivory, games, activities, swimming and a Baggo tournament. Saturday's activities include a basketball tournament, firecracker dance party, vocal talent competition and a guitar hero and rock band competition. Entertainment from all genres will lead up to what organizer James Bellew calls "the biggest fireworks display in Saline County," which begins at 10 p.m.

SPA BLAST

HOT SPR I NG S - T his event ret ur ns to Oak law n Park after a one-year break with lots of entertainment and activities. The gates open at 5 p.m. and will feature live music from Roy River, the Rock Solid Band, Miss A rkansas and the Crossgate Choir and Ensemble. Also included is a Blackhawk helicopter fly-over, a mini air show, rock walls and a family fun park. Food and beverage will be available for purchase and coolers are not allowed. The night will end with a fireworks show at 9:35 p.m.

Organizer Matt Clement said about 30,000 people showed up for the last show, so be prepared to fight traffic. For more information call Clement at (501) 623-4411.

FOURTH CELEBRATION

LAK E NORRELL - The public is invited to the ninth annual Fourth of July CookoutCelebration at the Lake Norrell community. Lake Norrell is 15 miles north of Benton in northeast Saline County. The festivities will begin at 6 p.m. Friday. There will be music and entertainment by Mandi Shepard Harper of Benton. The menu will be hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, cake, ice cream and drinks for $10 for adults and $6 for kids. The Man and Woman of the Year will be announced that evening. Also there will be a live auction.

The event is held every year to raise money for the Lake Norrell Fireworks Display. At 2 p.m. Saturday, there will be the Lake Norrell Dock and Deckcontest. Judges ride around in boats and award trophies to the docks and decks that are decorated with patriotic decorations. At 4 p.m. Saturday, the Lake Norrell Boat Parade will be held. The boats are judged in two categories - the most patriotic boats and the best theme boats. One of only a few public fireworks displays in the county will be held on the dam at Lake Norrell at 9 p.m. Saturday.

FOUR-WHEELER PARADE AND FIREWORKS AT

MOUNTAIN HARBOR

MOUNT IDA - The Red, White and Blue Four-Wheeler Parade will begin at 9 a.m. atthe flag pole, 4 Sumac Drive. The annual Fourth of July Flag Ceremony will follow at 10 a.m. at Marina Point. Then at 9:30 p.m., the 35th annual fireworks display will begin off marina point. For more information, call (870) 867-2191.

INDEPENDENCE DAY GAMES

MOUNTAIN PINE - Visit Lake Ouachita State Park for family-friendly games, programs and activities throughout the day. Contact the park at (501) 767-9366 for more information.

- epannell@ arkansasonline.com

Tri-Lakes, Pages 61, 66 on 07/02/2009