Jefferson County Parks and Recreation will offer an Independence Day celebration on Saturday,?July 2 at Sam Michael’s Park. The event, organized in the past by a group of local volunteers, came under the Parks and Recreation banner this year.

The event is free to the public although donations are welcome. Those wishing to contribute to the event may do so as they enter the gated lawn. Gates open at 5 p.m.

Although those in attendance are allowed to bring their own food to the park, the Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Commission requests that people do not bring pets, alcohol or glass. For those who do not wish to bring a picnic, food vendors will be present at the park.

Craft and home business vendors will also be on hand throughout the evening offering their wares.

There will be two moon bounces-one for children five and under, and one for children between the ages of 5 and 12-and a 20-foot inflatable slide. Glowsticks and glowing toys for children will be available. These games and toys are offered at a nominal cost.

Parks director Jennifer Myers is excited to continue the tradition of celebrating the holiday at Sam Michael’s.

“This is a great community event,” she said. “Families come to enjoy an afternoon of music, games and fun and then a great fireworks show. We are thrilled to be able to continue where the volunteer group left off in the past.”

She went on to say that the event would not be possible without the financial support of many donors. Topping those off this year is Skinner Law Firm, a first-time contributor taking the role as presenting sponsor.

The show is presented by Digital Lightning, a pyrotechnic company from Gaithersburg, Maryland, who has designed the show at Sam Michael’s since 1996.

Entertainment will be offered on the stage including Joe Ham, a local atist who has perforemed at each year’s event. Also performing this year will be Gary Whittington and Jim Burke; Wayne Snow and Will Shepard.

The Parks department hopes to continue to tradition of offering a free Independence Day celebration; however, without continued donations, it may not be possible.

“We rely on donors to fund this event so that we don’t have to charge for it,” Myers said. “Our goal is to continue to do so.”