When the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship comes to the Pinehurst area in late July, more than 850 international children ages 4-12 and their families will descend on golf's American home. With play on six area courses in the early morning and afternoon, the rest of the day is left to play.

Southern Moore County will offer a series of after-hours activities in celebration of the international gathering.

The week's schedule of events includes:

Tuesday, July 25 -- Drive, chip and putt contest presented by The Golf Channel/Mutual of Omaha (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Play is open to championship qualifiers, at the Pinehurst Clubhouse; spectators welcome at no charge.

Wednesday, July 26 -- opening ceremonies at Pinecrest High School (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.). Open only to championship players and their families, this event includes performances by the Golden Knights, and the 82nd Airborne Chorus and Color Guard.

Thursday, July 27 -- Southern Pines Summerfest Street Fair in downtown Southern Pines from 2 to 8 p.m.

Free and open to the public, this event features the Tommy Edwards Bluegrass Experience carnival games, climbing wall, food booths, magician and more, sponsored by UNC- Pembroke. (Some games at an additional charge.) Play begins at Pinehurst Resort, Mid Pines, Talamore and Midland Country Club; spectators welcome (free).

Friday, July 28, and Saturday, July 29 -- Golf Fest Carnival presented by Olmsted Village Shopping Center and Homewood Suites from 1 to 8 p.m., Pinehurst/Taylortown near Lowes Foods.

Open to the public, $15 per person/$20 for two days, featuring thrill rides, kiddie rides, 100-foot giant slide, carnival games and food, hot air balloon and pony rides, nightly entertainment. Play concludes Saturday at Pinehurst Resort, Mid Pines, Talamore and Midland Country Club; spectators welcome (free).

Sunday, July 30 -- U.S. World Cup Event: (12-year-old champions play a match-play tournament on Pinehurst No. 2) Spectators welcome (free).

All Week -- Pinehurst Business Guild International Passport Promotions in the Village of Pinehurst.

"This is a community celebration," said Richard Sheer of the Southern Pines Business Association. "We're hoping to have a crowd to welcome these visitors and offer a true sense of Southern hospitality."

Located in the North Carolina heartland, world-renowned Pinehurst Resort is home of golf's greatest moments. Built in 1895, it is a timeless destination featuring an award-winning Spa, family programs, extravagant events and fine dining on its 2,000-acre property.

The resort is owned and operated by Dallas-based ClubCorp, the world leader in delivering premier golf, private club, and resort experiences. Internationally, ClubCorp's affiliates own or operate nearly 170 golf courses, country clubs, private business and sports clubs, and resorts, and has more than $1.5 billion in assets.