VIDALIA &045;&045; A &uot;Wanna Have Fun Only Choir&uot; will headline Vidalia’s July 4 celebration this weekend.

The community’s Independence Day events begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday on the Riverfront.

The celebration will also include the unveiling of a 40 by 60 foot covered stage and a flag waving celebration at the Vidalia Landing Riverfront Amphitheatre. There is no admission fee, and the public is invited to attend. People are also encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs and picnic baskets to the celebration.

Grace Woods, choir leader for the event, said the &uot;Wanna Have Fun Only, Old Fashioned Community Choir&uot; is open to anyone who plays an instrument or is interested in singing.

&uot;It’s not just for churches,&uot; Woods said. &uot;Anyone who is interested can just join us at the rehearsal.&uot;

The rehearsal is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday at Vadalia United Methodist Church. The choir will sing two patriotic songs and then join with the crowd in singing several patriotic songs including: The Star- Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, God Bless America and more,Woods said.

&uot;We’re kicking it off kind of small, but if a lot of people come out, we can have a larger event next year,&uot; Woods said.

The event is a chance for the people in the community to come together and celebrate the fourth Woods said.

&uot;It’s really a hometown thing,&uot; Woods said. &uot;We need folks who just want to fellowship and have a good time.&uot;

Zelma Murray, tourist center supervisor at the Vidalia Welcome Center, said the celebration is a chance for people to celebrate their freedom and sing out.

&uot;I want them to come out and enjoy the freedom that we have,&uot; Murray said. &uot;It’s a chance to show community spirit during these trying times.&uot;

According to a press release, the vendors that will be allowed to set up booths at the event are limited to those affiliated with church activities. Spaces for the booths are free and can be reserved by calling Kathy Martin of Vidalia City Hall at (318) 336-5206. Potential vendors who are interested in setting up booths at the event must call to reserve a spot by Thursday afternoon.