With the Fourth of July on a Saturday this week it’s a perfect year to celebrate our nation’s independence all weekend long.

As always, there are several special events planned in Logan County and around the region. Here’s look at some of what you and your family can do over the July 4th holiday.

•July 4th Celebration Ceremony

The City of Russellville invites everyone to be a part of the July 4th Celebration Ceremony that will be held on Saturday, July 4th at 10 a.m. on Carrico Square. The speaker this year will be Major Nathan Forrester of the 7th Battalion of the 101st Aviation Regiment. Forrester has served his country honorably in the Korea, Afghanistan and Iraq throughout his career. The 7th Battalion Color Guard will present the colors.

For more info, call Main Street Russellville at 270-726-1303.

•July 4th Russellville Blues Society Concert

The Russellville Blues Society will host the Michael Gough Group for the July 4th concert. Gough is a Russellville native who has achieved considerable success as a blues musician. His CD "Soul Tuggin" has become a favorite of blues fans in Kentucky. It features several original songs written by Gough that he will be performing that night. His second CD is scheduled to be completed later this summer. He plays bass guitar and is the main vocalist, and he will be accompanied by WKU guitar instructor, John Martin; jazz keyboardist, Ed Dansereau; noted sax player, Roy Carter; and drummer, Gary Smoots. The food and other festivities will start at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 4 and the live music will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the West Ky African American Heritage Center at the corner of 6th and Morgan streets.

This is the second of four events that are known as the Mary Ann Fisher Summer Concert Series. The first event drew a crowd of over 500 people, who were treated to an incredible performance by the Larry McCray Band from Michigan. All of the concerts are free and are sponsored by Bluegrass Cellular, Russellville Arts Council and Logan Memorial Hospital.

This will be the one year anniversary of the RBS concerts. The first concert was July 5, 2008 and the performer was the Michael Gough Group. This will be the ninth music event for the Blues Society since it was started.

•Auburn Cruise-In

Get your Fourth of July started off right by showing off your cool vehicle or just checking them out at the Auburn Cruise-In Saturday, July 4 with registration beginning at 10 a.m. Lunch will be provided for entrees. There will be door prizes and trophies will be given to the longest distance, mayor’s choice, oldest vehicle and oldest participant.

•A Star-Spangled Spectacular

If you want to hear classical music and watch fireworks, the campus of Western Kentucky University at Guthrie Tower is where you should be as Orchestra Kentucky A Star-Spangled Spectacular. This celebration of our nation's birth will feature great patriotic music ending with a fireworks show. The event, which is free, is Saturday, July 4 at 8 p.m. but many people gather on the lawn early to picnic. For more info www.orchestrakentucky.com.

•Coon Range Fourth Celebration

The Coon Range Fish & Game Club will have their annual July 4th Fish Fry on Saturday, July 4th. There will be games for children, bingo, a cake walk and door prizes. Games begin at 10 a.m. and the lunch is at 11:30 a.m.

•Fireworks in Franklin

There will be a Fourth of July Celebration on Friday, July 3 from 4:30 to 10 p.m. at the Jim Roberts Community Park on North Street featuring food, music by Blue Highway, and inflatables for the children. Gates open 4:30 p.m., music is at 6 p.m. and the fireworks will be around 8:45 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Simpson County Vietnam Veterans. For more info call Dan Ware 270-586-3040.

•4th of July Fireworks Celebration at Barren River Lake

Go to Barren River Lake State Resort Park for a “booming” good time. Activities for the weekend will begin on July 3rd with the Pre-4th block party which will include karaoke, a non-motorized parade (be sure to show your spirit with your Red, White and Blue) and the famous “Whatever Floats Your Boat” competition. The fun will continue on the 4th as we kick off the annual beach party at 11 a.m. with WCLU radio and Gander Mountain, there will be a variety of activities throughout the day. The festivities continue with live entertainment, food vendors and the fireworks extravaganza – all sponsored by The Friends of Barren River. For more information, contact Recreation Supervisor Lisa Deavers at lisa.deavers@ky.gov or 800-325-0057 or visit www.parks.ky.gov.

•Bowling Green Hot Rods game and fireworks

The Bowling Green Hot Rods will play Augusta Greenjackets on Saturday, July 4 at 7:05 with fireworks after Tickets call 270-901-2121 ext 104 or 107.

•Elkton Independence Day Celebration

The City of Elkton Independence Day Celebration will be held on Friday, July 3rd at the practice field behind Todd County Central High School located at 806 South Main Street. Admission to the event is free. This year’s event will begin at 6 p.m. with a concert by the “Andy Miller Band.” Also, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. there will be a free children’s area with inflatable bouncers. At approximately 8:45 p.m., a fireworks display will be held. Concessions will be sold. For more information, contact Elkton City Hall at 270-265-9877, by email at cityhall@elktonky.com or visit www.elktonky.com.