KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – While many of the area’s fireworks shows have been canceled, the City of Keystone Heights not only will recognize Independence Day, it turned it into a weeklong celebration.

The highlight of the “America, A National Treasure” festival will be a parade on Saturday and fireworks show on Sunday night.

The annual event began in 1969 when Mayor Ray Starnes gathered local citizens to honor the national holiday. The celebration has since changed, but the underlying theme of patriotism has continued.

Not only has the town’s commitment to celebrating the Fourth of July continued, but it’s also grown.

The city started its mid-summer celebration with a street dance on Saturday, June 26, on Sunrise Boulevard.

This Saturday’s schedule starts with a 5K Freedom Run, arts, crafts and vendors – all at City Hall at 8 a.m. The market will operate until 4 p.m. Runners can register at the site for $40, payable by cash or check.

Live music by Raftice Brown and the Melrose Horns will be featured at City Hall.

A baby crawl competition will be at 9 a.m., followed by the Lake Region Kiwanis Club’s Our Country Day Parade at 11 a.m.

The parade will form between 9-9:45 a.m. in front of the Keystone Heights Elementary at 335 SW Pecan St.

After that is the watermelon-eating contest at 1 p.m., followed by a leisurely afternoon at Keystone Park Beach.

Sunday’s activities start with an 8 a.m. volleyball tournament at Keystone Beach. The event also is sponsored by the Lakes Region Kiwanis, and the winning team will earn $100 and medals.

Live music will be provided by Fastrain from 5-9:30 p.m., ending with the annual fireworks show at Keystone Beach at 9:30 p.m/.

Residents who wish to use the beach must purchase a wristband for $1. Armbands will be available Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of City Hall and from 5 p.m. until fireworks on Sunday.

Other traditional fireworks shows in the area have been canceled, including the county’s biggest celebration at Moosehaven.

Green Cove Springs offers its massive fireworks display during RiverFest on Memorial Day weekend. Those willing to leave the county can find shows at The Avenues Mall, downtown Jacksonville, St. Johns Town Center, Florida State College-Jacksonville North Campus, Ed Austin Regional Park and Trinity Baptist Church, 121 Financial Ballpark (home of the Jumbo Shrimp) in Jacksonville, as well as Castillo de San Marcos fort in St. Augustine and Jacksonville and Fernandina beaches.