Newton Citizen

COVINGTON - Residents in Newton and Rockdale counties have plenty of opportunities to celebrate the Fourth of July this year, with lots of activities planned for the three-day weekend.

Here's the run-down on local activities. All events are free unless otherwise noted.

July 4

· Oxford Parade

Oxford's annual Fourth of July Parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Haygood Avenue near the Oxford College tennis courts. The parade lineup begins at 9 a.m. Following the parade, a celebration featuring music, food and more will be held at Old Church on Wesley Street. For more information, call 770-786-7004.

· Community Band

The Newton County Community Band will perform on the Square Park in Downtown Covington at 5 p.m. under the direction of T.K. Adams. The band will play a selection of patriotic music. The community is invited to bring their lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the performance. For more information, call 770-385-2077.

· Church at Covington

The Church at Covington will host the Covington/Newton County Fourth celebration from 5 to 11 p.m. Fireworks are expected to begin at 9:30 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by a variety of musical acts. The church is located at 11975 Ga. Highway 142 North. For more information, call 770-786-7293.

· Fabulous Fourth Festival

The Fabulous Fourth Festival will take place at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers from 5 to 10 p.m. A special recognition of Purple Heart recipients will be held at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.georgiahorsepark.com. or call 770-602-2606.

· Sunflower Farm Festival

The annual Sunflower Farm Festival, featuring hay and pony rides, live music, barbecue and more, will be held at 1430 Durden Road in Rutledge from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 4 and 5. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children age 12 and younger who attend with a parent. For more information, visit www.sunflowerfarmfestival.com.

· Bluegrass Concert

The Walnut Grove Bluegrass Band will perform at 7 p.m. on the Walton County Historic Courthouse lawn. For more information, call 770-266-5331.

July 5

· Porterdale Patriot's Day Celebration

The event will include music, a rock climbing wall, a space walk, food and craft vendors and fireworks. It will take place from 3 to 9 p.m. in the parking lot around the restored Porterdale Depot just off Broad Street. For more information, call 770-786-2217.

· Classic Cruise-In

The Classic Car Cruise-In will take place on the Square in Covington from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 770-385-2077.

July 6

· Celebrate Independence

A Celebrate America Independence Day service, featuring a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter on display and more, will take place at 10:30 a.m. at The Baptist Tabernacle of Covington at 10119 Access Road. For more information, call 678-773-9703.

Crystal Tatum can be reached at crystal.tatum@newtoncitizen.com.