July the 4th.

NO MATTER WHERE ONE lives in Arkansas, there's plenty to see and do on the July 4th holiday that gives us a welcome break in the middle of the week this year.

And the best part is that there's no admission charge for most of the events. There are numerous events at the state parks around Arkansas, such as a free fireworks display over at Lake DeGray at Bismarck. Or consider the turtle races at Harrison's downtown square.

Don't want to go that far? There's a watermelon seed-spitting contest at Pinnacle Mountain State Park or the free 24th annual "Pops on the River" concert at Riverfront Park in Little Rock.

Check out all the activities at www. arkansas.com/calendar.

So get your lawn chairs out and go enjoy all the food, games, parades, decorations, crafts, live music and, of course, fireworks.