From the early morning hours until after the sun sets, July 4 will again be celebrated Galva-style this Saturday.

From the opening event - a 7:30 a.m. kiddie half-mile fun run - to the capper - a tremendous fireworks show in the Galva Park District - the day’s filled with fun that will hopefully attract the usual thousands of people, despite the sluggish economy.

“We really won’t know how the economy might affect us until after we collect donations at the fireworks,” noted Teresa Byers, one of many members of the Freedom Fest Committee. “But hopefully, we’ll still pull in people from the surrounding area, to enjoy a wonderful day in Galva, topped off with outstanding fireworks.”

Handling the fireworks will be Melrose Pyrotechnics, as they have for many years. Melrose has won acclaim worldwide, and has presented fireworks displays at Chicago White Sox baseball games, Atlanta Falcons football games and other large venues.

“They are international award winners and they do a spectacular job,” Byers said. “We get notes from visitors who say they are impressed that a town our size has such a wonderful fireworks show. They come and spend a fun day here, then top it off with the fireworks. That’s what we try to do: bring people here.”

For the rest of this story, and a complete schedule of events for this weekend's activities, see the July 2 Galva News.