4th of July celebration
By Gabby Hudson Staff Writer

Small and big towns across America will show their patriotism as they gather as dusk approaches to once again marvel at the brilliant colors displayed as fireworks light the sky.

The "Hometown Celebrations," celebrate Independence Day of the country which is now 231 years old.

Murphy residents have the opportunity to gather at Konehete Park starting at 8 a.m and take part in a 5K run in the park, 9 a.m. men's softball tournament, 11 a.m. fishing tournament and noon peanut drop and a car show.

At 1 p.m. the "Wheels & Walking" kids parade and at 2 p.m. a float parade starts at L & N Depot. Music will entertain throughout the day on two different stages. Fireworks will start at sundown

Andrews 4th of July opening ceremonies will begin at noon with Mayor Johnny Brown welcoming visitors and residents. The VFW Color Guard will present a 21-gun salute.

Speaker Howard Lovingood, retired United States Marine Corps, will speak. Lovingood is a Viet Nam Veteran.

At 12:30 judging of the decorated patriotic bicycle parade contest, after prize presentation, bicycles will enter the patriotic parade from the rec park.

Residents then can take part in a peanut drop at 12:45 p.m. courtesy of Ed and Keith Wood.

The blue peanut winner will receive a drink from the concession stand. The red peanut winner will enjoy an ice cream cone from Party Time.

At 1 p.m. the patriotic parade of Andrews Merchants and Business Association will begin.

The sound of hooves will echo through the downtown streets as the Wagon Train rolls down main street. This year members of the Wagon Train are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the

Residents can enjoy the rail buggy burn-out at 3 p.m. presented by Johnny McLean, Jeff Trull, and Jamie Wooten.

The pool in Andrews will be open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. with free admission and water games with prizes. Scheduled activities will include rumor runner, big splash, watermelon seed spitting contest, coin dive, best trick, greasy watermelon, balloon contest, swimming contest, fast breath stroke, hold breath longest, free style,the best belly flop and basket the ball will also be held at the pool.

From 10 a.m.- noon a free children activities with prizes for ages four to 12 sponsored by the Christ Community Church. Activities will include:

*Toy in the hay stack, *Tool Shed-fund house with water slide, and *Various food vendors,

*Arts and Crafts vendors.

Live music provided by Red Eye Gravy, Johnny Scroggs beginning at 3 p.m.

A BBQ dinner will be served at 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at a cost of $5 a plate

From 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. Country and Western Hodown, will be held at the Cultural Arts Building.

At 10 p.m. fireworks will light up the sky's bringing a full day's worth of fun to an end.