jstevens@observer-reporter.com
WAYNESBURG - Patriotism will be on full display at the Greene County Fairgrounds Saturday for the Waynesburg Lions Club's Fourth of July celebration.
Several events are scheduled through the day, including a classic car show, the traditional pancake and sausage breakfast and a performance by the country band Stampede.
Of course, the day will culminate with a fireworks display at 10 p.m., but John Humble, a Lion who helps organize the annual festivities, is quite excited about the Let Freedom Ring concert that will precede the fireworks at 8 p.m.
The concert is presented by Heaven Bound Ministries that was formed in 1999 in Wheeling, W.Va. "The choir will feature about 50 voices from choir members from Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania," Humble said.
Heaven Bound's Web site explains that it is a group that has come together to spread the good news through contemporary Christian and southern gospel music mixed with a bit of humor and lots of energy.
"I think this will be one of the best events we have had at the July 4 celebration," Humble said.
The day will start with the pancake and sausage breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m.
"That breakfast has really become almost a reunion. Lots of people who now live out of town come to it to see their friends. I think it's a tradition now," Humble said.
Bargain hunters may enjoy the flea market, which will be held from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the fairgrounds.
For the second year, a classic car show will be featured. Registration will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, and the cost for entrants is $5. The show will be held from noon to 3 p.m.
The first 50 cars will receive dash plaques and goodie bags. Trophies to the best cars will be awarded at 3 p.m.
Entertainment in the afternoon also will include a karaoke contest from 3 to 5:30 p.m.
An opening ceremony for the evening's festivities will be held at 5:30 p.m. Lions Club President Eleanor Chapman will welcome the crowd. Members of Waynesburg American Legion will present the colors; Becky Hardy will sing the national anthem; and Bob Barnhart will deliver the invocation.
The Little Miss Firecracker pageant will follow from 6 to 7 p.m. The noncompetitive pageant is for girls, ages 6 to 8. Participants will appear in patriotic attire and will be interviewed on stage. All participants will draw wrapped flowers from a basket, and the odd-colored flower will determine the new queen.
The six-piece country band Stampede will perform from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
An estimated 10,000 people watch the fireworks show from the fairgrounds, as well as from surrounding roads, hillsides and backyards, Humble said.
Humble also said wagon rides for children will be available in the afternoon and the Greene Community Church will provide face painting and games.