Fourth of July celebrations span entire weekend

GREENCASTLE -- With Independence Day falling on a Sunday this year, Greencastle's Fourth of July celebration will stretch the entire weekend, with activities both today and Sunday.

The celebration began this morning with the 19th annual Mike Rokicki Memorial 5K Road Run as well as Pancakes for Parks and Pathways, to benefit Friends of the Park and People Pathways.

The fun continues at 10 a.m. with the dog fashion show at the park maintenance building.

A softball tournament commenced on Friday and continues until Sunday.

On the Fourth, the activities begin at 10 a.m. with the "Honor Our Heroes" worship service at the park band shell. The entire community is welcome at the event, with a special invitation extended to our veterans, firefighters, law enforcement, emergency workers and local government leaders.

Pinewood Derby registration opens at noon at Shelter No. 2, with a $3 entrance fee for Cub Scouts and $5 for open classes. The Cub Scout derby begins at 1 p.m., with open classes to follow

Accompanying the derby will also be the Pinewood Derby Car show, with classes including antique, vintage and late model.

Also opening registration at noon is the Paul Revere Horseshow Tournament, with a cost of $20 per team. The tournament will follow at 1 p.m.

From noon to 5 p.m., the Greencastle Aquatics Center will host a free open swim with contests and games for all ages.

The Inn at DePauw's "Firecracker" fruit pie bake-off will open registration from 1 to 2 p.m. at the park office. There is no entry fee. The award notification and pie auction will be at 7 p.m.

The late afternoon and evening will see a number of activities running concurrently, with activities, games and contests on the midway from 2 to 8 p.m. Tokens are $.25 each or five for $1. Bounce House Inflatables will be at Shelter No. 5 from 4 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $1 and $5.

Food vendors will be open from 3 to 10 p.m.

Corn toss fee open play will run from 3 to 4 p.m., with the corn toss tournament to start at 4 p.m. at a cost of $20. Teams should register prior to 4 p.m.

The Greencastle Police Department will host crush-a-car from 4 to 8 p.m. on the midway. Cost is three hits for $1.

The emergency services drum roll competition will take place in the Aquatic Center parking lot at 6 p.m. at a cost of $50 per team.

Music entertainment from a variety of bands and genres begins at 4 p.m. in the Bob Flanigan Band Shell and continues until just before the fireworks at dusk.

Finally, the activities will conclude at dusk with the ultimate Fourth of July tradition, the annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration.