WHAT'S UP

4th of July events

Cowpens National Battlefield will celebrate our nation's independence with fireworks, music, a soldiers' camp and family activities today, July 3. The free event begins at 9:30 a.m. with a guided battlefield walk and end with a fireworks show around 9 p.m. Cannon firing demonstrations will be given at 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and the Spartanburg Community Band will play from 7:30- 9 p.m.

Residents of Sheraton Loop will hold their ninth annual 4th of July Golf Cart Parade Saturday starting at 10 a.m. The loop is located on the left just past the Cherokee National Golf and Recreation Club. Residents often spend hours decorating their carts with patriotic themes. Spectators are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets and line the route of the only Independence Day Parade in Cherokee County.

The 11th annual Freedom Celebration will be held at New Pleasant Church, 242 New Pleasant Road, on Saturday, July 4. Events begin at 5:30 p.m. and end with fireworks at 9:45. There will be food, a baking contest, games, door prizes and inflatable rides. The fun includes a bounce house, games (including water games), a slide, free food and a train. A musical," God Bless the USA," will be presented.

Antioch Volunteer Fire Department will hold a community gettogether Saturday, July 4, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Antioch Community Center. There will be food, games and door prizes. The department also will have a fundraising hot dog and lemonade sale beginning at 11 a.m. at Shelton's Fireworks.

Mount Paran Baptist Church in Blacksburg will have a Fourth of July celebration Saturday beginning at 6 p.m. at the church recreation area. Hot dogs will be served and entertainment will be provided by local musicians.

Barbecues

VFW Post 3447 and its Auxiliaries will be selling hash and barbecue on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4. The sale starts at 7 a.m. and continues until sold out. Hash is $6 and barbecue is $7. The sale will be held downstairs at the VFW on Granard Street. All proceeds go to VFW and Auxiliary programs.

DMW Volunteer Fire Department will be selling barbecue and hash Saturday beginning at 7 a.m. and continuing until it's all gone. Food will be sold at the DMW Fire Station, 538 McKowns Mountain Road, and Auto Stop 105. Phone orders are welcome by calling 864-489-2194.

Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department will be selling barbecue and hash on Saturday, July 4, at the main and sub-station, starting at 8 a.m. and continuing until sold out. Pints are $7 each or 3 pints for $20. The main station is located at 147 Blackwell Road, 864-839- 4500, and the sub-station is located at 1135 N. Mountain St., 864-839- 4551.

Library closed

The Cherokee County Public Library in Gaffney and the Blacksburg will be closed today and Saturday. Regular hours will resume July 6.

Bible School

Mount Paran Baptist Church will have Vacation Bible School July 5- 10 from 6-8:30 p.m. Classes will be available ages 4 years through 6th grade.

Church news

All military personnel and civil servants are invited to All-American Sunday at Central Baptist Church on Sunday, July 5, at 11 a.m.

Northside Baptist Church, 944 N. Logan St., will have a God-honoring patriotic service Sunday, July 5, at 10:50 a.m. There will be special singing by the choir and quartet and an illustrated message by the pastor, Dr. Edward McAbee, titled "The Spirit of 1776."

Senior Center

events

The Senior Center of Cherokee County Inc. has become a host site for the Angel Food Ministries. If anyone is interested in ordering one of the many discounted food boxes, call Tangie at the Gaffney Senior Center, 864-487-2726. All orders and money for this month must be turned in no later than Friday, July 10, at 3 p.m.