America turns 248 tomorrow and with it comes celebration.

As you wind down from the mid-week slump and summer heat, take a moment to think about the things you are grateful for. From family to freedom, living in the United States of America provides many things to appreciate.

The United States has heaps of diversity, from cultures to religions to the amount of options you have when choosing your favorite potato chips in the grocery store. Living in this country is something so many take pride in, not to mention celebrating the heroic individuals who have fought for this freedom. Independence Day is a great day to honor their memory as well.

As Americans, how do we typically celebrate this momentous day? By cracking open our beverage of choice, grilling out with loved ones and watching fireworks explode in the sky.

Independence Day celebrations are scheduled to begin tomorrow with the American Legion’s annual Veteran and family picnic from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Deer Run Park. They will be serving burgers, hot dogs and drinks.

If you are in the mood for music, Story Inn is set to host a free community concert tomorrow starting at 2 p.m. with fireworks at dusk. The lineup for the concert will include King Bee and the Stingers, Tyler Poe and the Volunteer Railroad and Stoney Lonesome.

Independence Day celebrations are also on the books for Saturday with the Brown County Lions Club planning their annual Independence Day fireworks at the Brown County High School Football Field at dark. Scouts from Troop 190 will be selling food and glow bracelets as a way to pay for their camp.

In addition to the Lions Club celebration, The Cordry Sweetwater Lot Owners Association planned their 64th annual Ox Roast for Saturday on the beach. The roast is scheduled to be from noon to 5 p.m. with fireworks starting at 10 p.m.. There will also be live music, food trucks, a silent auction and games for the family.