Celebrate Fourth of July around here

Events and activities explode in the region POCONO MOUNTAINS — If you want to celebrate our nation’s independence, you can expect a variety of events and fireworks displays in the region. Fourth of July Festivals and Crowd-Pleasing Favorites East Stroudsburg celebrates Independence Day on July 4 with the American Freedom Festival featuring live music by local artists, a culinary midway and pavilion, an artisan and merchant bazaar, amusement rides and action games. Bring the kids for prize drawings, face painting, an Olympic-size swimming pool and more from 2 to 9 p.m. at Dansbury Park. 570-424-7540. Visit downtown Hawley on July 4 for the Independence Day Parade. The parade will be held at noon on Main Street. 570-226-3191. Come celebrate our nation’s birthday on July 4 at Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford. The Forest Site will wave the tour fees for the day as a way to commemorate Independence Day and to bring attention to the national role that Grey Towers and the Pinchot family played in the introduction of natural resource conservation to America. The tours are offered on the hour from 10:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. 570-296-9630. July 4 through July 6, join the fun at the American Roots Music Festival in Matamoras. Bring the family to Airport Park for live music, vendors and much more! The American Roots music genres represented include Country & Western, Blues, Folk, Bluegrass, Texas Swing, Rockabill and many more. 973-670-9373. The Pocono Choral Society will commemorate this year’s Independence Day on July 5 with a patriotic celebration of America in Song at the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg. Celebration to include Irving Berlin’s God Bless America, Thomas Dorsey’s Precious Lord, Take My Hand, favorites from the 40’s and a selection of gospel. Tickets start at $13. Show begins at 3pm. 570-420-2808. Firework Displays Central Park Fireworks Celebration in Honesdale; begins at dusk, July 3; rain date July 5. 570-253-5492. Dansbury Park Fireworks Display in East Stroudsburg; begins at dusk, July 4. 570-424-7540. Fireworks Display Over Lake Wallenpaupack; begins at 9 p.m., July 4; rain date July 5. 570-226-3191. This is just a sampling of events taking place in the area this Fourth of July weekend. For a complete listing, please visit the calendar of events online at 800poconos.com.