PICKENS—Pickens residents will not have to travel far to find festivities on the Fourth of July.

East Pickens Baptist Church is getting set to host its 13th annual “Pickens Celebrates the Fourth” event, and Chairperson Kenny McPeters says it will be a the main attraction in Pickens on Independence Day.

“It’s very big,” said McPeters. “We try not to do it as a money maker, but just as an outreach to the community. We just want to cover our expenses and most of the time we break about even.”

All the festivities will begin in the mid-afternoon.

“Starting at 2:00 p.m. (and going until about 9:45 p.m.) on Main Street in Pickens we’ll have the carnival rides,” said McPeters. “The rides will be $5 per armband with unlimited riding.”

From 5-10 p.m., there will be Bluegrass, Gospel and Contemporary music on the stage located on Main Street.

There will be also children’s area, set up in Legacy Square, with several inflatibles, and a carnival-style set up. The kids’ area will also have face painting and a number of other activities.

“This is the family event to go to,” said McPeters. “We’re trying to provide a safe family alternative.”

Of course, what would a Fourthnof July event be without fireworks?

“We’ll finish up our stage stuff, the rides will shut down, and at 10:00 p.m. the City will do fireworks off the old Pickens High School stadium,” said McPeters. “You will be able to see those from just about anywhere in town.”