There are solemn holidays designed for reflection and reverence. On Veterans Day and Memorial Day we pause to remember the sacrifices of those who served in our military. On Christmas and Easter we observe religious moments.

Then there is the Fourth of July.

It’s perhaps the one holiday we have that is centered around the tradition of just having fun. While it marks our independence from England, it’s evolved over the years into something more.

Across Richmond County you couldn’t ask for a broader range of things to do these next few days.

It starts today at Rockingham Dragway. Gates open at 6 p.m. with the “racin’ and rasslin’” program starting at 7 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20, but $5 discounts are available on-line at www.rockinghamdragway.com. Across the street at Rockingham Speedway, there will be practice and qualifying for Saturday’s race. The Friday admission is free and the Saturday admission is $10 for adults with kids 12 and under are free.

If that type of racing is just too fast for you, Ellerbe will offer a slighter slower version with lawnmower racing on Saturday. It’s just one of a dozen events on tap that includes traditional watermelon races, a dunking booth, horseshoes and pony rides. Those seeking music will have plenty to listen to starting at 3:30 and running through 7:30 and the fireworks kick off at 9:30 p.m.

And don’t leave Hamlet out. Events kick off there at noon on Saturday with a Foosball tournament. Later in the day there are turtle races, a frog jumping contest and gospel music. The fireworks, which will start about 9:30 p.m. won’t be the end of it. After they’re done, Ponder Blue will take to the stage at 10 p.m. on Main Street.

Those who say there simply isn’t anything to do in Richmond County will be wrong again this weekend. If anything it will be a case where there is too much going on.