On Independence Day, 2008, Lancastrians will have the freedom to celebrate in a variety of ways.

Music lovers can enjoy rock, blues and more at Marion Courtroom's Freedom Fest, or traditional patriotic tunes at Long's Park.

Family games, picnics and crafts your thing? Musser Park's Old Fashioned 4th of July is the place to be.

Art aficionados simply must come to downtown Lancaster, where the always popular First Friday coincides with July 4th this year.

And traditionalists can return to the time-honored practice of festivals and fireworks in a variety of locations — but most notably in Lititz, a community that devotes several days to celebrating.

To help make your holiday revelry decision-making a bit easier, here's a rundown on what's happening where and when.

Freedom Fest. Fri. 3 p.m.-midnight. $8. Marion Court Room grounds, 7 Marion Court. On the Web at www.myspace.com/freedomfestpa.

In its sixth year, this musical celebration of the season includes 12 bands performing on two stages, plus exhibits by 30 artists, food and fun.

Headliners Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, featuring the former front man for Drive-By Truckers, offer up a diverse sound incorporating elements of rock, blues and soul.

Other performers are The Mint, Darcie Miner Band, Slimfit, Fooling April, Kheris, Uncle Skip, The April Skies, Barrel of Wolves (former members of High Falootin'), Clayton Mars Project, Stinging Nettles and The Sleeping World.

Old Fashioned Fourth of July. Fri. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Musser Park, E. Chestnut and N. Lime sts. On the Web at www.musserpark.org.

A great afternoon for families, this annual event includes a cakewalk, an art contest for kids, games, chicken barbecue and live music. You can bring your own picnic if you like and make a day of it.

First Friday. Fri. 5-9 p.m. Free. Downtown Lancaster. On the Web at www.lancasterarts.com.

Although it may not be specifically geared toward the Fourth of July, First Friday is such a celebratory event that it fits the bill as a holiday destination.

Downtown Lancaster arts come alive with special exhibits, demonstrations, live music, street performers and more during First Friday. Galleries and shops remain open late for the occasion and this month, some have special exhibits commemorating our hard-earned freedoms.

Fireworks and Fountains. Fri. 9:15 p.m. $32 adults, $16 ages 15 and under. Longwood Gardens, US Route 1, Kennett Square, (610) 388-1000 or (800) 737-5500. On the Web at www.longwoodgardens.org.

If you want to spend the bucks and you're a gardening buff, admission to the fireworks and fountains display at Longwood is good for gardens admission all day. The colorful fountains and the fireworks are choreographed together to big band and patriotic music. Call for ticket availability.

Lititz Celebration and Fireworks. Parade, tonight at 6:30. Forms at W. Lincoln Ave. and Warwick St. Ends at Lititz Square. Entertainment by Flamin' Dick and the Hot Rods follows. Free. Lititz Springs Park.

"Let It Be Lititz" Celebration. Fri. gates open at 11 a.m. $8 (through today) and $10 at gate, $4 children 2-10. Lititz Springs Park, North Broad Street, Lititz. On the Web at www.lititzspringspark.org.

Beatlemania is the big-name entertainment coming to this year's Lititz celebration. The group performs during the "Let It Be Lititz" event on Friday. This day-long celebration includes a variety of other entertainment, plus the time-honored traditions of the illumination of the candles, the baby parade and the Queen of the Candles pageant. Fireworks top off the night.

The fun actually kicks off tonight with a parade in downtown Lititz followed by free entertainment.

Lititz's July 4th festivities are some of the county's oldest.

Long's Park Concert and Fireworks. Sun. 7:30 p.m. Free. Long's Park Amphitheater, 1441 Harrisburg Pike, 735-8883. On the Web at www.longspark.org.

Lancastrians are used to the Lancaster Symphony performing at this local tradition, but this year the patriotic, light classical and pop music will come from the 257th Army Band.

But fear not, the cannons will still punctuate the "1812 Overture" and a grand fireworks display is in store. (See story, page 13.)

Columbia Party and Fireworks. Sat. 7-10 p.m. Free. Columbia Consolidated Fire Department grounds, 10th Street and Ridge Ave., Columbia.

It's been a while since Columbia hosted an Independence Day shindig, but 2008 is the year of its return. Food, fun and games, patriotic music and fireworks are all part of the celebration.

Ephrata Fireworks. Fri. 9:30 p.m. Free. Lincoln Heights Outdoor Recreation Area, Joann Ave., Ephrata. On the Web at www.ephrataboro.org.

Just the fireworks, ma'am. Sometimes it's fun to just end your night with a bang, like folks in northern Lancaster County have done for years.

Mountville Borough Fireworks. Sat. 7:45-11 p.m. Free. Mountville Swimming Pool, 350 W. Main St., Mountville.

Another chance to ooh and ahh!


Staff writer Kathy Daminger can be reached at kdaminger@lnpnews.com or 481-6015.