Charlotte County’s Independence Day celebration options include events rich in historical significance and the opportunity to enjoy nature, family, food and of course, fireworks. Read more about different events happening in the area here:

STAUNTON RIVER

STATE PARK

1170 Staunton Trail, Scottsburg

Wednesday, July 4 The state park, located in neighboring Halifax, will have a smorgasbord of events for families during the holiday at the park’s Visitor Center. This includes a quest to find and learn about honey bees’ significance to the environment at 9 a.m., identifying wild animal tracks and creating one’s own animal track using molds at 11 a.m., embarking on a scavenger hunt at the Captain Staunton Trail at 1 p.m. and learning the essentials of canoeing using a private lake on the park property at 3 p.m. To learn more, call (434) 572-4623 or visit http://www. dcr.virginia.gov/stateparks/ park-event-info? id=SR180038-10.

TWIN LAKES HOT DOG

EATING CONTEST

Twin Lakes State Park, ‘’The Spot’’ Concession Stand 788 Twin Lakes Road, Green Bay

Wednesday, July 4, 1-2 p.m.

Participants can try their hands at Twin Lake State Park’s inaugural hot dog eating contest. Challengers will try to eat as many hot dogs as possible within a 10-minute period for a small fee. Registration will start at noon at the park’s snack bar. To learn more, visit www. dcr.virginia.gov/stateparks/ twin-lakes#general_ information or call (434) 392-3435.

INDEPENDENCE DAY

CELEBRATION

Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation, Red Hill

Wednesday, July 4, 3-9 p.m.

While a bit of a drive, the Independence Day celebration promises to bring the historic and exciting holiday to life. Fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m., but there will be plenty to do leading up to the event, including living history demonstrations, colonial games, live music, a book signing with author Jenny L. Cote and a reading of Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty” Speech and the Declaration of Independence. To learn more, visit www.redhill.org or call (434) 376-2044.

A NIGHT WITH JENNY

AND PATRICK HENRY

Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation, Red Hill

Wednesday, July 4, 4 p.m.

Concurrent with the park’s Independence Day celebration, Author Jenny L. Cote will give participants a private tour group through the grounds of Red Hill, including a special visit with Patrick Henry’s fifth great grandson, Patrick Henry Jolly. Participants would meet at the Visitor’s Center at 4 p.m. “See Patrick Henry’s “magic” fiddle, flute, and ivory letter opener featured in Cote’s book, “The Voice, the Revolution, and the Key,” the event description noted. Participants can also sit with Cote to enjoy fireworks at the end of the day. The private tour is included with admission, according to the park’s event description, but is limited to 25 people. To learn more or to make a reservation, contact jenny@epicorderoftheseven.com.

FOURTH OF JULY

CELEBRATION

Meherrin Volunteer Fire & Rescue station, 102 Moores Ordinary Road, Meherrin

Saturday, July 7, 11, a.m. to 10 p.m.

The annual family- friendly celebration will begin with stew at 11 a.m. Vendors, a boot drive and live music will begin at 4 p.m. with Step Back Band providing the entertainment. The fireworks show will begin 9:30 p.m. To learn more, call Meherrin Volunteer Fire & Rescue Chief Trey Pyle at (434) 547- 7861 or visit www.mvfrco5. org.