The sound of fireworks marks the start of the Fourth of July holiday.
Stands were set up around El Dorado last week to begin the annual sale of firecrackers, sparklers, fountains and more.
In addition, there also are a number of activities going on over the holiday weekend.
Saturday will bring events at El Dorado Lake, Forrest Park and McDonald Stadium.
The lake is holding its annual parade and bicycle decorating contest. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on July 4 with bicycle judging starting at 9 a.m. The mostly mobile parade will be led by the American Legion Riders and campers from around the lake will be participating.
Watermelon for all participants will be provided following the parade and entrance to the lake is free for those taking part.
Other events will be held at Forest Park during the city's 11th Annual 4th of July Celebration.
Events will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
There will be free food offered during the event, as well as a free swim.
Other activities will include park games, such as turtle races and face painting. Wiffle ball and super bean toss tournaments also will be held. The deadline to sign up for the tournaments is July 3. Call the recreation department at 322-7400 to sign up.
Then Saturday evening the El Dorado Broncos will be taking on Valley Center at 7:05 p.m. The game is free courtesy of the Broncos. Following the game, there will be a fireworks display sponsored by the city and the Broncos.
There also will be fireworks at the lake that evening.
The fireworks display show will be held in the Shady Creek area of the El Dorado State Park and will be shot off the south end of the old Bluestem Dam on Saturday at dusk.
People are encouraged to bring the entire family and enjoy a fun evening at the lake.
The fireworks display is sponsored by Friends of El Dorado Lake, City of El Dorado, Walnut River Sailing Club and the El Dorado State Park.
Then on July 5, the El Dorado YMCA will be hosting a variety of activities.
There will be a car wash and shaved ice for sale in the parking lot to benefit the gymnastics program. At 1 p.m. there will be a home run derby at McDonald Stadium, followed by a tailgate that evening in the parking lot at the YMCA, where they will be selling brats or hot dogs, chips and a drink for $5. Proceeds will go to the Strong Kids Campaign. The baseball game between the Broncos and Park City will begin at 7:05 p.m.
