Don your stars and stripes and get ready for the Fourth of July. Moore County has a day chock-full of celebrations.

Whether you’re craving watermelon or just wanting to hear the iconic Sousa marches, you will not be disappointed.

Start the day with a bang! Run the second annual Patriot 5k at Pinecrest High School. There is also a 1-mile fun run. Registration ends 7 a.m. the day of the race, and the race begins at 7:30 a.m.

The races benefit Operation One Voice.

If a 5k isn’t your pace, you can compete in a greased watermelon race at Pinebluff Lake Park’s celebration. Starting at 10 a.m., there will be a patriotic hat contest, pie-eating contest and swimming ($5 for nonmembers to swim). Hamburgers, cotton candy and other treats will be for sale. Profits will go to the fundraiser focusing on fixing up the lake amenities.

Mayor Earlene McLamb said, “We just hope they’ll come out and join us for an old-fashioned Fourth of July.”

The downtown Pinehurst pet parade marches at 9:45 a.m., followed by a traditional parade at 10 a.m. Parade entries include the Shriners, Pipe & Drums, American Legion, Antique Autos, pets, VFW, local dignitaries, military demonstration and more. There will also be a $100 prize for the best decorated bicycle.

The quintessential Independence Day parade belongs to the streets of Carthage. Beginning at 11 a.m., this free event boasts a traditional parade of floats, cars, color guard and music down Monroe Street in Carthage.

Beat the heat inside the Grand Ballroom of the Carolina Hotel for the Moore County Concert Band’s 2 p.m. performance. Clarinetist Bob Kucinski advises to get there early to get a seat. A jazz band preconcert starts at 1 p.m.

“This is a patriotic concert in which we honor the veterans,” said Kucinski. Music selections will include a march by Sousa, a Benjamin Franklin arrangement and, of course, “Stars and Stripes Forever.”

Public fireworks can be viewed at the Pinehurst Fair Barn or Aberdeen Lake Park.

Pinehurst’s celebration begins at 5 p.m. with a musical performance of the Craig Wollard Band at 6. Feel free to pack a picnic or grab a bite with a local vendor. The sky show will begin at 9:15 p.m. over the one-mile track.

Aberdeen will be hosting its 48th annual “America’s Birthday’ celebration. Face painting, beanbag tosses and other fun activities begin at 5:30 p.m., with live music from the Sand Band beginning at 6 p.m. No pets, alcoholic beverages or coolers permitted.

Admission is free to the park, but children’s game wristbands can be purchased for $3. There will be contests for most patriotic, best costume and most original costume.

Fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m., ending the day with a grand finale.

Contact Kirsten Ballard at kirsten@thepilot.com.