Band Concert

The Moore County Concert Band, under the direction of David Seiberling, will present its annual Fourth of July Concert in the Grand Ballroom of the Carolina Hotel. Headlining the free concert will be guest soloist Tawnia Jones, singing the music of George and Ira Gershwin.

Jones is a newcomer to the Sandhills music scene. Born and raised in Seattle, Wash., she spent her teenage years singing professionally at sporting events in Washington and throughout the Northwestern Fair Circuit. She specializes in country and western music and has been featured at numerous state festivals and rodeos. She is currently recreational manager and events coordinator at Pinehurst Resort.

The band will play familiar tunes by Lerner and Lowe, The Carpenters and Leroy Anderson, along with the marches of David Seiberling, John Philip Sousa and Henry Fillmore, and a tribute to U.S. Armed Forces.

Aberdeen Fun

Aberdeen will hold its 46th annual July 4th celebration Saturday, July 3, at Aberdeen Lake Park.

Activities and games begin at 5:30 p.m., with live music by the beach music group the Entertainers starting at 6 p.m.

The fireworks show begins at 9:15 p.m. Admission to the park is free. Children can purchase a wrist band for $3, allowing them to take part in games and a variety of activities. Food and beverages will be available.

“We do not allow pets, alcoholic beverages, personal fireworks or coolers,” says a spokesman. “Bring blankets and lawn chairs.”

For information, call (910) 944-7275.

Carthage Parade

The Carthage Rotary Club will sponsor its annual July 4th parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 3, in downtown Carthage.

For information, call Steve Ennis at (910) 947-6555.

Pinehurst Celebration

The Pinehurst Parks and Recreation Department will host its annual Fourth of July Celebration Sunday, July 4, at the Pinehurst Harness Track beginning at 5 p.m. and ending with the fireworks display at 9:15 p.m.

New rides, new games and a central location (the one-mile track) for all festivities will provide more fun for the family. Food and beverages will be available from local caterers, including Talbert’s and Coldstone Creamery, or participants can bring a picnic, along with lawn chairs and blankets.

The Vision Band takes the stage at 6 p.m.

All traffic will be entering the grounds via the Monticello Road entrance. The main entrance off N.C. 5 will be closed until after the fireworks display.

Call (910) 295-0166 for additional information.

Patriotic Church Service

Our Saviour Lutheran Church will celebrate patriotism at the 9:30 a.m. Sunday, July 4, worship service.

The choir will sing a patriotic anthem, and Robin Homesley will sign a song for the hearing impaired.

Military service men and women will be acknowledged and are asked to wear their uniforms.

There will be a covered dish social after the service. The church is located at 1517 Luther Way, Southern Pines.

‘One Nation’

Gary McKenzie will be speaking at the 11 a.m. service Sunday, July 4, at Christ Church, which meets in the Southern Pines Civic Club at the corner of Ashe Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in downtown Southern Pines.

McKenzie, associate pastor of Christ Church, hosts his own national radio talk program and is a former CBS Radio Network anchor.

“His sermon ‘One Nation Under God’ will honor America’s great Christian history and the importance of preserving it through a strong Christian walk,” says a spokesman.

Celebrating the Flag

The Rev. Michael J. Garber, minister emeritus of the Community Congregational Church of Southern Pines, will deliver a patriotic Independence Day presentation, “I Am the Flag of This Great Nation, at the 9 a.m. worship service Sunday, July 4.

This is only the second time Garber has returned since his retirement in 2002 to present this original piece, which he wrote 44 years ago. During his 26-year ministry at the Community Congregational Church, it became a traditional part of the church’s special July 4th observance each year. Although the basic theme of the piece remains unchanged, a few milestones in American history have been added over the years.

Community Congregational Church is located at 141 North Bennett St. in Southern Pines.

For further information, call (910) 692-8468.