South Baldwin residents won’t have far to go next week in order to celebrate the Fourth of July. Instead, they’ll have several nearby options that are set to take place Wednesday.

One such option takes place in Lillian, as the Lillian Community Club will host its 70th annual July Fourth Celebration. According to flyer information, the day kicks off at 10:45 a.m. with a flag raising led by American Legion Post No. 48. Then the fun continues until 3 p.m. with music provided by Big Jake. In addition, a tuition drawing will be held, as will a silent auction, 50-50 raffle and Wagon of Cheer raffle, with drawings at 2 p.m.

But don’t forget the food, which is provided by Col. George’s Southern Fried Chicken, with “all the trimmings” for $8 and children 8 and younger eating free.

Lillian Community Club is located at 34148 Widdell Ave., Lillian. For more information, call 962-3366.

But that’s not all. Moving next door to Elberta, South Baldwin residents will find Independence Day festivities hosted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5658.

According to Angela Berry of the Elberta chapter of VFW, the day kicks off at noon with such children’s activities as a water slide and concessions available for purchase. That includes such fare as hamburgers, hotdogs and soft drinks. The Elberta celebration caps off when the sun goes down with a fireworks show at dark.

VFW Post 5658 is located at 2430 U.S. Hwy. 98, Elberta. For more information, call943-2411.

Crossing over to Magnolia Springs, South Baldwin residents will find the town holding its own free annual celebration co-hosted by the Magnolia Springs Community Association and Magnolia Springs Volunteer Fire Department.

“The celebration will start with an Oak Street Parade at 11 a.m., followed by an all-American hotdog lunch at the Magnolia Springs Volunteer Fire Department,” states flyer information.

However, participant line-up for the parade begins at 10:30 a.m. on Woodland Drive.

“Participants may be individuals (adults and children), organizations, businesses, etc.,” the flyer states. “Bicycles, wagons, cars and floats are acceptable.”

According to Magnolia Springs Community Association member Janet Paarlberg, leading off this year’s parade as grand marshall is former Magnolia Springs Post Mistress Patrician Barnard. In addition, the Magnolia Springs Community Association  is doing something extra.

“This year, we’re going to have our own (parade) float,” Paarlberg said.

The parade will traverse Woodland Drive, down Oak Street and end at the fire department, where refreshments will be served.

According to Paarlberg, the annual celebration is a popular one.

“The whole of Oak Street is usually lined with people,” she said in an interview. “It’s a great family time.”

Another celebration centering around family will be in Summerdale, as the Town of Summerdale hosts “Stand Up for America.” The festivities begin wat 10 a.m. Wednesday at Summerdale Church of Christ with a ceremony.

“The town and community will be honoring area veterans and public service personnel (police, fire, EMS, etc.) and especially those local heros who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this country,” Summerdale Police Chief Eddie Ingram said via email.

The ceremony will be followed by a cookout with fun and a variety of games and activities.

“There will be free food, entertainment for all and special events for the children,” Ingram said. “Also, there will be a display of military equipment and other items sure to be of interest.”

That will last until 2 p.m. However, the fun won’t be over yet. Summerdale’s Independence Day celebration will conclude at 9 p.m. with a fireworks display in Pioneer Park.

For more information, call Billy Lambert or David Wilson at 989-7748. To take part in the celebration or display military vehicles at Summerdale’s celebration, contact Tex Kline at 947-4648, 228-0575 or texkline@gmail.com.

So it looks like South Baldwin residents have plenty of nearby options for celebrating Independence Day.