July 4 is nearly here and everyone is gearing up for Independence Day. Considering Halifax County is the birthplace of independence it only seems fit there be grand celebrations and they start early. There are picnics, concerts, plays and of course fireworks to mark the occasion. Here are just some of the activities coming up in and around the Valley:

There’s lots to see and do this coming weekend as the country comes together to celebrate Independence Day. Here is a peek at last year’s fireworks from Lake Gaston. Della Batts | Daily Herald Advertisement

• Thursday, July 2 through Saturday, July 4 — see where it really all began at the independence week production of “First for Freedom,” showtime is 7 p.m. This outdoor drama is one of the longest running in North Carolina. Written by Halifax County playwright Maxville B. Williams, the play depicts events leading to the adoption of the Halifax Resolves, the first official declaration of independence from England by any colony, on April 12, 1776. The show will be held at the 4-H Rural Life Center. For more information call the Halifax County Visitors Bureau at (252) 535-1687 or (800) 522-4282, Historic Halifax at (252) 583-7191 or the Halifax County Cooperative Extension Service at (252) 583-5161.

•Friday, July 3 starting at 5 p.m. enjoy the Weldon Independence Day celebration and fireworks at River Falls Park. Live music by the Main Event Band, food, children’s activities and a  fireworks display starting at dusk.

•Friday, July 3, South Hill, Va. invites you to the Annual Picnic in the Park from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Parker Park, at the end of Halifax Street. There will be games for the kids, free music  and fireworks. For more information call (434) 447-4547.

•July 4, Historic Halifax celebrates history starting at 8:30 a.m. the historic sites will be open for tours. It’s an all day event with games and children’s activities. Enjoy the Independence Day Celebration and fireworks on the lawn of the Halifax County Courthouse on Highway 301. Concessions, live music by local band, Exit 173 and others, a ceremony to honor military, Pete Luter to jump from vintage bi-plane and an amazing fireworks display at dusk.

•July 4, starting at 10 a.m. the Town of Littleton celebrates independence with its Main Street, July 4th Parade. This parade is filled with hometown people and fun. Floats, bands, dignitaries, antique cars, fire trucks and more.

•July 4 at 6 p.m., The Town of Hobgood is celebrating freedom with the Hobgood Independence Day celebration. Enjoy live music, food, drama and fireworks in the Park Complex. Festivities begin at 6 p.m., fireworks start around 9:15 p.m. For more informatio call (252) 826-4573.

•July 4 at 10:30 a.m. the Lake Gaston Independence Day Boat parade kicks off at Holly Grove Creek, where folks can see the parade of boats wearing their patriotic best.

•July 4, Longbridge Volunteer Fire Department will hold a road-block from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to raise money for their yearly fireworks display at the Eaton Ferry Motel, on Hwy. 903. Then at dusk they invite you and your family to come watch "Fireworks over the Lake" on Eaton’s Ferry Bridge. Enjoy the magic of hundreds of boats on the water at night with their colorful lights, along with an amazing display of fireworks, made all the more beautiful over the water. The show starts right after dark, about 9:15 p.m. Also to help fund the show, wtop by South Shore Realty to buy some glo-sticks and other patriotic items. For more information call (252) 586-4332.