Here's a roundup of the Columbus and Phenix City area Independence Day activities:

• Thunder on the 'Hooch and God and Country celebrations along both the Columbus and Phenix City portions of the Chattahoochee River are set for Wednesday, July. Most of the event will be on the Columbus State University's uptown campus in Woodruff Park (behind the Corn Center for the Visual Arts, 6 10th St.).

For the 14th year, WTVM 9 is hosting the event, which begins at 5 p.m. and ends after the fireworks show that begins between 9:30 and 10 p.m.

Bethany Culbreth of WTVM said: "It will be fun, family, on the Fourth and free."

There be free games for the kids, including racing and face painting. There will also be an obstacle course, tailgating games and egg and water balloon toss.

There will be pony rides and a petting zoo. Both will charge a fee.

There will be a watermelon-eating competition, as well as a hot dog-eating contest.

The God and Country show at the Phenix City Amphitheater will feature music all day, featuring local church groups and headliners Jonathan and Lisa Moore and the Moore Band.

And if you're hungry, don't worry. You can buy carnival foods like funnel cakes, corn dogs and barbecue.

"Come early and get your green space and enjoy the day with the community and your family and friends," Culbreth said. "It looks like it's going to be a scorcher, so come hydrated and bring your sunscreen."

It is an alcohol-free event, because Culbreth says it's a "family-friendly event."

Call 706-494-5400.

• The Wednesday, July 4, celebration at the National Infantry and Soldier Center, 1776 Legacy Way, begins at 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, when the movie, "Babe," can be seen in the IMAX Theater. Other movies, "Air Racers 3D" ($6-$8) and "John Carter" ($8-$10) can be seen during the afternoon.

At 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m., there will be guided tours of the Last 100 Yards ramp; at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., there will be guided tours of World War II Street. Sign up for either tour at the Information Desk in the lobby.

Then at 11 a.m., the Maneuver Center of Excellence Band will play patriotic music on the front lawn until 2 p.m.

The event is free, including the morning screenings of "Babe."

Call 706-685-5800.

• At 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 4, there will be July 4th Fireworks at Upton's Lake, on Ga. 315 in Talbot County. The fireworks will start at dark.

There will be live music and free watermelon. Concessions will be provided by local fire departments.

It's free. Call 706-665-8079 or 706-570-1966.

• Callaway Gardens' "Star Spangled Beach Party" begins at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 4, with a sandcastle building contest at Robin Lake Beach.

The beach activities will go on from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Highlights include disc jockey Fade to Black from noon-4 p.m. and performances of the Florida State University Flying High Circus at 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Musician Leon Jacobs will perform at 4:30 p.m.

Country music star Bryan White performs at 6 p.m., followed by the Swingin' Medallions at 7:30 p.m.

The Fort Benning Silver Wings precision parachute team does a rare night jump at 9 p.m. with the fireworks "extravaganza" at 9:30 p.m.

Music continues with Matt Whitten at 10 p.m.

Special beach hours are 7 a.m. until after the fireworks on Wednesday; 8 a.m.-8 p.m. July 5; 8 a.m.-9 p.m. July 6; 8 a.m. until the fireworks show is over on July 7 and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. July 8.

On July 5, Matt Whitten performs at 6 p.m. On July 6, Sam Koon performs at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. On July 7, The Sons-n-Britches perform at 6:30 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. and a fireworks show begins at 9:30 p.m.

Admission on Fourth of July is $25; $12.50 for children 6-12. Other days it's $18; $9 for children 6-12. Children 5 and younger get in free.

Enter through the Robin Lake Beach Entrance on U.S. 27.

Call 706-663-2281.