Stefanie Arias
Express-News Staff Writer Independence Day may fall on Wednesday, but the celebrations happening in and around San Antonio promise a weekend’s worth of entertainment. It’s probably safe to say there will be a few tired folks at work Thursday.Area celebrations are listed in the All Directions section of the calendar. Here’s what’s happening within the city limits:

July Fourth 2007 Celebration: The city’s official celebration, in its eighth year, includes live music, games, rides, food and the H-E-B Fireworks Extravaganza. The fun starts at Woodlawn Lake Park, 1103 Cincinnati St., at 10 a.m. with children’s pre-parade activities at Woodlawn Lake Gym.

The Salute to the Red, White and Blue Parade starts at 11 a.m. Children of all ages are encouraged to wear patriotic attire and prizes will be given for best costume, most patriotic, best bike and best group.

Opening ceremonies begin at noon on the west end of the park. 5 Star Band hits the stage at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Air Force Band of the West at 7:30. The Kids’ Zone will have games, carnival rides, contests and other activities. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Admission is free. No alcohol is allowed in the park.

Star-Spangled Festival: Lackland AFB’s gates open at 3 p.m. for the 29th annual celebration that offers game booths, a kids’ carnival, paintball, music and food. “The Fly-By” concert, showcasing Tops in Blue, pays tribute to 60 years of Air Force history at 8 p.m. The festival wraps up with a fireworks display at 9:45.

Admission is free; no backpacks, coolers, video cameras or pets are allowed. Enter through the Gateway East Gate off Southwest Military Drive. Valid photo ID and proof of car insurance are required.

Patriotic Ceremony and Salute to the Union: Fort Sam Houston invites the public to the 23rd annual celebration. The program begins at 9:30 a.m. and includes patriotic music, readings from the Declaration of Independence, a roll call of the original 13 Colonies, a talk and prayer by George Washington (portrayed by Mark Collins) and a keynote speech by retired Lt. Gen. Ricardo S. Sanchez.

The Alamo City Community Marching Band performs at the flagpole at 11:25 a.m., followed by a roll call of all 50 states with a cannon salute at noon. Admission is free. Enter at the Binz Engleman Road or Walters Street gates.

Frontier Fourth of July: The Institute of Texan Cultures celebrates outdoors on the Back 40 with Texas characters sharing stories of life on the frontier. Activities include tug-of-war, sack races, doll making, a piñata and stilt walking. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a live brass band. Members of the Alamo Area Council Boy Scout Troop No. 36 lead flag retirement ceremonies throughout the day. Bring old and worn flags for decommissioning and proper disposal. The celebration runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Included with museum admission, $4-$7.

Fourth and baseball: The San Antonio Missions play the Tulsa Drillers at 5:05 p.m. Wednesday at Wolff Stadium on U.S. 90 West. A fireworks display and a performance by Robert Earl Keen (who’s become a Fourth of July tradition for the Missions) start after the game at 8:30. The concert and fireworks are free with tickets to the game, which cost $15-$25.

Freedom Fest: If you can’t wait until Wednesday to celebrate, head to the annual event at Market Square on Saturday and Sunday. Grupo Vida, Los Hermanos Cortez, Johnny and the Heartbreakers, Eric Flores and Grupo Suave are just a few of the acts that will perform. Ballet folklorico dancers will also take the stage. The festivities run from noon-11 p.m. Saturday and noon-10 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.

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