City officials and organizers of East Brewton’s July 3rd celebration are “putting out the welcome mat” this Saturday in honor of our nation’s birthday.

East Brewton Mayor Terry Clark said a full day of activities is planned leading up to a grand finale at 9:30 p.m.

“We have got a good time planned for the day and everyone is welcome in East Brewton this Saturday,” Clark said. “We’re putting out the welcome mat and inviting everyone to town for the celebration.”

Clark said the Fort Crawford Commission has put together a day of activities with traditional events and plenty of entertainment.

“We are excited about our celebration,” Clark said. “We’ve got activities that people have come to expect for our celebration. Everything gets started at 9 a.m. and goes until the fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.”

Events begin with the annual spades tournament at 9 a.m. at the East Brewton Civic Center. The event typically last a couple of hours leading up to Bingo at 1 p.m.

“We have a lot of people who get involved in the spades tournament,” Clark said. “It’s a pretty big deal. We also have folks who plan their day around bingo, which begins at 1 p.m. this year. We’ll wrap up those activities with the annual horse shoe tournament at 4 p.m. We’ll also open the waterslide for children at 4 p.m. as well.”

Clark said there won’t be any reason to be hungry during the day with plenty of concessions available for everyone.

“We will be cooking all day at the park,” Clark said. “The commission has made arrangements to have hamburgers, sausage dogs, hot dogs, chips and plenty to drink at the celebration. That will be going on all day so getting something to eat and drink for lunch, supper and a snack will be easy.”

One other event that has become popular over the years is the annual duck race. The race, set to begin at 6 p.m., will offer cash prizes to the winning ducks.

“The first duck to make it to the finish line will earn the winner a $200 cash prize,” Clark said. “The second duck will win $100 with the third place duck winning $50.”

Ducks can be purchased for $5 each and will be available until 5:30 p.m. or until all are sold. Ducks can be purchased before Saturday at East Brewton City Hall.

Clark said the entertainment lineup for the afternoon and into the evening is filled with talented singers from around the community.

“We have a lot of talent in this area and we’re happy to show some of that off during our celebration,” Clark said. “We’ve got some great singers lined up to sing. Those entertainers will be sort of like the opening act for our main band that will take the stage at 8 p.m.”

Entertainers include Kerri McCall performing at 5 p.m. followed by Lois Crenshaw at 5:30 p.m. Gwen Minchew will be on stage beginning at 6:30 with Misty Joyner performing at 7 p.m. Holly Wyatt will sing beginning at 7:30 p.m. and will lead into a performance by High Horse, the main entertainment for the evening.

“We’ve had High Horse perform for us for a couple of years for this celebration,” Clark said. “The band is from Pensacola, Fla., and they are really good. This will be the third time they have performed for the celebration.”

The evening will culminate with a fireworks display beginning at 9:30 p.m., Clark said.

Clark said there is plenty of parking for the event in the area surrounding Fort Crawford Park.

“There is a large area for parking behind Superfoods that is right at the Park,” Clark said. “There will also be a large area for parking at the Civic Center as well.”

Clark said he hopes that people will come early and stay all day to enjoy the festivities.

“With so much going on throughout the day folks could come to East Brewton and spend the whole day with us,” Clark said. “This is a family-style event and we like it that way. Because we want this to be enjoyable for families, there is no alcoholic beverages allowed in the park. Just bring your lawn chair, sit back and enjoy the day.”

For more information or to purchase ducks for the race, contact East Brewton City Hall at 867-6092.