Celebrate the Fourth of July in Central Virginia

Today

-The Academy of Fine Arts July 4th One-Miler takes off at 8 a.m. at Fifth and Commerce streets, Lynchburg. Three races: Red for kids 12 and younger; White for those 40 and older; Blue for those ages 13 to 39. Registration 7 to 7:45 a.m.; $15 on race day. Proceeds benefit the Academy’s visual arts program. Call (434) 846-7449 or visit www.riversiderunners.com.

-Beach music legends the Embers and the bluegrass band Fescue will play, 3 to 8 p.m., at Bernard’s Landing, Smith Mountain Lake. Food, beverages provided. Tickets: $15 per person at the door. Call (540) 721-0017.

-The Blue Ridge Parkway will host a day of picnics, parades and patriotism. Participants can walk to the summit of Sharp Top Mountain at the Peaks of Otter to view the fireworks in towns and cities below. Meet rangers and volunteers at 7 p.m. at the Nature Center (just off Virginia 43 about two blocks from the Visitor Center, milepost 86) for the three-mile walk on the bus road. Bring water, flashlight. Free. Call (540) 586-4496.

-LibertyFest goes on from 5 to 11 p.m. at the Bedford Farmers Market, Centertown. Live music, entertainment from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Watch the fireworks show that will launch from the D-Day memorial. Children’s activities, arts and crafts, and The Beer & Wine Café. Admission: $5 per person, children 12 and younger, free. Call (540) 586-2148 or visit www.centertownbedford.com

-Poplar Forest’s Patriotic celebration begins at 1 p.m. Period music by the Itinerant Band; reading of the Declaration of Independence at 1:30 p.m. See “The Spirit of Thomas Jefferson,” a batteau reproduction. View work of visiting artist Gene Villiva of Eugenio. Picnics welcome. Call (434) 525-1806 or visit www.poplarforest.org.

-Red Hill, Brookneal, activities including delivery of Patrick Henry’s famous speech by his sixth great-grandson and post-9 p.m. fireworks. Music by The Overtime Band at 5 p.m. Food available from 3 p.m. Admission: $10 per vehicle (eight or fewer passengers; extra passengers are $2 per person; motorcoaches call in advance). Call (800) 514-7463 or visit www.redhill.org and www.patrickhenry.com.

-The Lynchburg Hillcats will have fireworks following their 7:05 p.m. game at the Lynchburg City Stadium.

Saturday

-Independence Day activities at the Peaks of Otter feature a concert by string band, Breakin’ Nu Ground, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., amphitheater behind the Visitor Center. Followed by a ranger-led night hike; Bring a flashlight. Free. Call (540) 586-4496.

-A Revolutionary War Tour begins at 10 a.m. at the Old City Cemetery. View the graves of five Revolutionary war soldiers; led by costumed re-enactor. Meet at the Gatehouse, Fourth and Taylor streets. Free. Call (434) 847-1465.

-The Saunders Volunteer Fire Company will present the 2008 Smith Mountain Lake Fireworks Celebration at Parkway Marina. Activities begin at 5:30 p.m. with music by The Worx; also, a car show and the 1954 Carousel. Free admission; parking fee will be charged. Call (540) 297-4412 or visit www.smlfireworks.org.

-The Lynchburg Hillcats will have fireworks following their 6:05 p.m. game at the Lynchburg City Stadium.