Fireworks will light the sky in both Pine Grove and Hundred Saturday evening.

Several communities in and near Wetzel County have special events planned to celebrate the nation’s birthday.

New Martinsville

Nearly two dozen local artists and craftsmen will be on hand July 4 to demonstrate their skills to all who attend the annual Arts in the Park celebration at Bruce Park in New Martinsville.This event, sponsored by ArtsLink, the Monroe Artists Guild, and the New Martinsville Parks and Recreation Department, will begin at 1 p.m. and conclude at 5 p.m. Visitors can expect to see oil, water, and acrylic painting, engraving, quilting, fiber arts, marbleizing, jewelry and basket making, and a variety of needlework projects exhibited.Many artists who have participated previously will be returning and several new individuals may share their skills this year as well.

Need a good laugh? At this year’s Arts in the Park Magnolia High School student Christian Estep’s comedy, “Love Psych”, a hilarious play, will be presented by the Wayward Players-a popular local theatrical group. High jinks in the psych ward plus a surprise ending. Also playing is “A Tale of the Norse” by Heather Haskiell, a rousing romp through Norse mythology. Both plays were finalists in the annual West Virginia State Thespian Play Writing contest.

Musical entertainment will be provided throughout the afternoon and Uncle Sam will be on hand to greet one and all. Games and face painting will be available for the young and the young at heart. Free Pepsi will be offered, courtesy of the New Martinsville Parks and Recreation Department, and the New Martinsville Lions Club will be selling a variety of food items. All residents are encouraged to include a stop by the park as part of their celebration of America’s birthday.

As usual, Uncle Sam will be on hand to greet attendees of Arts in the Park in New Martinsville’s Bruce Park Sunday.

ArtsLink is committed to providing universal accessibility wherever possible.Persons with special needs may contact 304-455-2278 to request assistance.Questions concerning Arts in the Park can be directed to Barbara Vincent at 304-652-2939.

Financial assistance has been provided by West Virginia Northern Community College, Chesapeake Energy, WETZ/WYMJ Radio, and Ohio Valley Online. New Martinsville Parks and Recreation Department, Wetzel County Chamber of Commerce, and several local businesses serve as local sponsors for ArtsLink events.This festival is supported in part by the Ohio River Border Initiative, a joint project of the Ohio Arts Council and the West Virginia Commission of the Arts.

Hundred

Hundred will hold its traditional Independence Day Celebration July 3.

It begins with a parade from Hundred High School to the football field/city park at 10 a.m. Shortly after the parade and its spectators arrive at the field, there will be a flag raising. The ceremonial raising will be followed by live music throughout the day, including KK Smith, formerly known as Kaela Kuhn. Scheduled to perform from 1-1:30 p.m., Smith is coming home to Hundred, her hometown she left in 2007 for Nashville to launch her career as a songwriter and recording artist.

KK Smith, formerly known as Kaela Kuhn, will return to her hometown of Hundred to perform Saturday.

“I always enjoy singing at the celebration and I am excited to be coming back again this year,” Smith said. Smith began singingfor theevent at age eight and looks forward to entertainingher family and friends.

In 2006, Smith won the West Virginia Idol contest sponsored by Morgantown radio station WVAQ. From there she moved to the fourth round of American Idol and faced Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Simon Cowell. KKdebuted heralbum “All Fired Up” in 2008 and is set to release her second in the fall entitled “I’m Ok With Me.”Her music is available on iTunes, Rhapsody, and other digital stores.

The event includes many other attractions including the car show, hot dog eating contest with a $50 prize, inaugural Little Mister and Miss Liberty Pageant for local kids ages three to eight, Virgil’s Great Games for all ages, Bingo, carnival games, rides from noon to 4 p.m., and the men’s horseshoe tournament where registration must be completed by 12:30 p.m.

The whole wonderful day will be punctuated with fireworks at dusk.

Pine Grove

The Pine Grove Fourth of July celebration will be held Saturday at Bill Earley Park beginning at noon. There will be a hot dog-eating contest, horseshoe pitching, and the Women’s Auxiliary will host games. Two bands, Remedy and The Mix, will perform. Fireworks will begin around 10 p.m. There are also vendors scheduled, however more are welcome. Anyone interested can call the council at 304-889-3351.

St. Joseph’s Settlement

The annual St. Joseph’s Settlement Fourth of July Celebration will feature a chicken/ham dinner from noon to 6 p.m. Cost is $8, adults; $3, children; and free, three and under. There will also be a quilt show, Kirkland mules and wagon rides, live music, Bingo, country store, kids games, ice cream stand, and more. For information call 304-455-2538.