From watermelon races to frog jumping contests to fireworks finales, Richmond County has something for everyone this Fourth of July.

In Hamlet, the Business Development Association, Main Street Soda Shop and Main Street Cafe are sponsoring a a day full of events and entertainment for adults and children alike.

“We’re just gonna have fun, you know what I mean?” said HBDA President Ron Mayo. “We have the Family Fun Day, the Cruise-In that evening, and then they can sit out and watch the fireworks at night.

“The tricycle race is a major hit. It’s grown every year.”

Meanwhile, more celebratory sights and sounds will be buzzing around the Rock Motor Speedway as the Frank Kimmel Street Stock Series and ASA Late Models rev up for the Cheerwine Cherry Bomb 200. Across the street at Rockingham Dragway, there will be jet dragsters on Friday starting at 6 p.m. with fireworks at 9:45 p.m.

“Last time they were here for the Polar Bear, the street stocks put on one heck of a show and this time should be even better,” said spokesperson Andy Cagle “The ASA guys were here a couple of weeks ago testing and we are really excited about the race they are going to put on for the fans. Racing starts at 10 a.m. so you don’t have to wait until dark to see some fireworks.”

And bluegrass, clogging, pony rides and lawn mower races are just a few of the things you’ll find at the July 4th Jamboree, a summertime classic for many Ellerbe residents sponsored by the local Lions Club at Lions Club Park at 306 Millstone Road.

“I enjoy all of it — especially the musical groups, they’re always great,” said Mayor Lynn McCaskill. “ It’s a good, safe way of spending the Fourth of July. We always have a good crowd and it’s fun for the whole family.”

Fourth of July schedules, locations and admission prices are as follows:

Hamlet:

n Noon to 12:30 p.m. - Foosball Tournament (Main Street Soda Shop)

n 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. - Sack Races (Train Station Park)

n 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. - Turtle Race/Frog Jumping Contest (Train Station Park)

n 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. - Basketball Hoops Contest (Train Station Park)

n 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. - Football Tossing Contest (Train Station Park)

n 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Stan and Linda Jacobs - Live Gospel (Main Street Soda Shop)

n 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. - Tricycle Race, (bring your own pedal trike) on the sidewalk between Birmingham Drug and Mabry Drug)

n 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Watermelon Eating Contest (In front of Birmingham Drug Store)

n 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Sidewalk Chalk Etching (In front of Main Street Cafe and Soda Shop)

n 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. - Pool Tournament - 75 cents per game (Main Street Soda Shop)

n 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. - The Bryants - Live Gospel (Main Street Soda Shop)

n 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Annointed Sisters - Live Gospel (Main Street Soda Shop)

n 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Cruise In (Main Street)

n 8 p.m. to ? p.m. - Burn Out (Behind Main Street Cafe)

n 9:30 p.m. (+/-) - Fireworks at Hamlet Fairgrounds

n 10 p.m. Ponder Blue (Main Street)

Main Street Soda Shop will be open from noon to 10 p.m. Main Street cafe will be open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Hot dogs and BBQ sandwiches will be available from the Hamlet Business Development Association.

The Rock:

Friday, July 3 (Free Admission)

n 11 a.m. - ASA Practice and Qualifying

n 2 p.m. - FKSSN Practice and Qualifying

Saturday, July 4 ($10 general admission; Kids 12 and under free)

n 10 a.m. - 100 laps, Frank Kimmel’s Street Stock Nationals Race

n Next - 100 laps, ASA Late Model Race

For tickets call 910-205-8800 or visit www.rockinghamspeedway.com.

Ellerbe:

Gates open at 10 a.m. for the following events - watermelon races, children’s games, dunking booth, horseshoes, pony rides, vintage car cruise, lawn mower open practice and exhibition.

Starting at 2 p.m. -

n Welcome from Lions Club President Walter Stancil and Ellerbe Mayor Lynn McCaskill

n Presentation of the Colors and Pledge of Allegiance by Boy Scouts of America Troop 92

n National Anthem by Wessley Futrell

n Prayer by Reverend Marvin Ingram

n Blue Horizon Bluegrass Band

n 3:30 p.m. - Stone Mountain Bluegrass Band

n 4:45 p.m. - Timbercreek Bluegrass Band

n 6 p.m. - Ellerbe Lions Club Distinguished Citizen of 2009

n 6:10 p.m. - Quicksilver Cloggers and Clogging Contest

n 7:30 p.m. - E.Z. Street Band (Country, Rock and Pop)

n 9:30 p.m. (approximately) - Fireworks

Hot dogs and hamburgers will be available for sale. Coolers may be inspected by law enforcement officers. Bring a lawn chair.

Admission: Adults $3; School-Aged Children $2.