Whether you’re heading for Lebanon, Hartford, or Fairlee on Independence Day, you can count on seeing lots of red, white, and blue—and having a great time.

Start the day in Lebanon on Monday, July 4th, at 9am with a one-mile fun run, or choose a 5K or 10K run on the Rail Trail at 9:30am. The route along the beautiful Northern Rail Trail and Class VI Mill Road is flat and fast. Both trails run along the Mascoma River and feature hardpack or dirt.

What could be better than a great American all-you-can-devour pie buffet! After your run, walk, or stroll, join the Rotary Clubs of Lebanon and Lebanon-Riverside at the Upper Valley Senior Center on 10 Campbell Street from 9:30am to 1:30pm, or until all the pies are gone. Get there early! The cost is $7 for adults and $5 for ages 10 and under, and includes coffee, water, displays, music, and lots of fun. For more information, contact Tim Guaraldi at (603) 359-0866.

Don’t miss the concert and fireworks display! Bring your family and friends and continue your celebration with a performance by The Flames at 7pm. Of course, no Fourth of July would be complete without fireworks. The display is from Tomapo Farm with the best views at Logan Field and the Storrs Ski Area. The sky starts lighting up at 9:20pm. Need more info? Visit recreation.lebnh.net.

Just across the river, at least two towns will have parades during the day and fireworks to light up the night sky. The old-fashioned parade in Orford and Fairlee, New Hampshire, couldn’t be more patriotic. You’ll see fire trucks, tractors, animals, and all the local color anyone could desire. This one’s a hoot if you like your parades with floats and friendly rivalry between neighbors who get together and walk down the “Main Street.” (This writer does love Vermont!) The parade starts at 11am and weaves from Orford to Fairlee. Maybe you can grab some candy along the road or, better yet, ride on a float! You’ll be ready for lunch afterwards, so around noon, grab a spot in line for the amazing barbecued chicken with all the “fixins” plus pie and ice cream. Don’t miss the fireworks; I hear they’re terrific. The light show over Lake Morey starts around 9pm.

Just south in Hartford at Wilder Kilowatt Park, the celebration kicks off at 6pm with music, a clown comedy show, more music, and fireworks at dusk. Don’t miss the children’s games and activities all through the evening. And did I mention,the fireworks?