JASPER – The 2003 Hamilton County Independence Day celebration is scheduled to take place July 4 at the Hamilton County Recreation Center located in Jasper. The festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m. There will be entertainment, plenty of food and fireworks and fun and games for the kids.

The Independence Day celebration is presented by the Hamilton County Chamber of Commerce. Additional sponsors include the Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners, the city of Jasper, PCS Phosphate (White Springs) and the Jasper Kiwanis Club. The festivities are also funded in part by the Hamilton County Tourist Development Council.



Veteran Lamar Hill will open up the evening’s ceremonies at 6:30, followed by the presentation of the colors by the Hamilton County AFJROTC. Soloist Amber Lee will sing the National Anthem.

Between 6:45-7:30 p.m., the bluegrass band “Kingdom Strings” will be performing. Between 7:30-9:30 p.m., the Big 98 will be onsite with a van and will play music and interact with the public.



Fireworks will start at approximately 9-9:15 p.m. This year the fireworks will be run by Steve Zigmond of Zigmond Magic FX, based in Tampa.



The Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a raffle with the prize of a one-day fishing trip donated by PCS. Breakfast and lunch will be included in the prize, which is a $150 value. The prize drawing will be held at the Chamber’s “Eye Opener” breakfast in August.



“We want the public to know there will be lots of things to do and enjoy this year,” said Amanda Parks, Hamilton County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. “We invite people to come out early, have a good time, get a good spot to see the fireworks and enjoy all the festivities with their family.”