Celebrate the nation's birthday in downtown Augusta or at Columbia County's Patriot Park.

Riverblast will begin at noon July 4 in downtown Augusta.

There will be an arts/craft bazaar, a variety of musical entertainment, dancing and other activities.

Also, there will be a patriotic concert at the Jessye Norman Amphitheatre. The night will culminate with a fireworks display.

Festivities begin at 4 p.m. at Columbia County's Patriots Park.

There will be inflatables and rides, live entertainment, food vendors, entertainment and fireworks.

Admission is free. Call (706) 312-7192.

The Phinizy Swamp Nature Park is the habitat of many different types of insects and animals.

During the day, a variety of water fowl and other animals can be seen in the landscape, but at night, it's a different world. Owls, frogs, beavers and bats are among the creatures which come out at night.

Learn more about the nocturnal species at the Family Fun Full Moon hike at 9 p.m. July 7 at the park.

The hike will cover about two and a half miles.

The cost is $5 for park members and $8 for nonmembers. For more information, call (706) 828- 2109.