Kings County residents will have ample opportunities to celebrate the Fourth of July today. The day's festivities begin in Lemoore with the annual Navy Celebration at Lemoore City Park, Fox and Bush streets. Activities kick off at 7 a.m. with a 5-kilometer run and 3K walk, as well as breakfast sponsored by Lemoore cheerleaders and a "chalk-in" art event for children at 7:30 a.m.

Other events at the park include a Red, White and Blue Parade from 9 to 9:30 a.m., opening ceremonies at 10 a.m., hypnotist Linda Sparks performing at 10:45 a.m. and 3 p.m., "American Idol" auditions at 11 a.m. followed by a local performance at 2:30 p.m. There will also be cake cutting and serving at noon, Fireman's Micro Muster from 1 to 2 p.m., strolling barbershop quartet from 1 to 3 p.m., and a pie eating contest at 4 p.m.

In Hanford, the 55th annual fireworks show will again take place at Neighbor Bowl, with gates opening at 5 p.m. and concession stands opening at 6 along with games and bounce houses. The show begins just before 9 p.m.

Donors who helped save the annual show from being halted for financial reasons will be recognized, and a flyover has also been planned. Local contemporary Christian/R&B/soul singer Sonya Diane Jones from Hanford will sing the national anthem, and Hamilton School student Janelle Sumilong -- who led a school fundraiser to help save the fireworks show -- will push the button to begin the display.

(July 3, 2008)