MEIGS COUNTY — With just a few days until July 4, area festivities plans are being finalized.

The annual celebrations in both Racine and Middleport will be held on Wednesday, July 4, while Rutland will host its annual festivities on Saturday, July 7.

Racine will host its annual parade at 10 a.m. with line up beginning at 9:15 a.m. at Southern High School. A flag raising ceremony will take place at 9:45 a.m.

A chicken BBQ and homemade ice cream will be served at the Racine Fire Station beginning at 11 a.m.

The day’s events will wrap up with fireworks at 10 p.m. in Star Mill Park.

In Middleport, festivities at Dave Diles Park will begin at 3 p.m. with fun food and games. Inflatables and games will be set up along with popcorn, hot dogs and other concessions available.

Karaoke and music will also be provided from 3-8 p.m. by Kip Grueser

Parade lineup will be at Dairy Queen beginning at 4:30 p.m. The parade will start at 5 p.m. and travel down Second Street and Third Street to the Corner Restaurant, before coming back up Second Street to Dave Diles Park. The special “pulled pushed, pedaled and pets” section will once again be featured in the parade.

The Color Guard will be presented by American Legion Feeney Bennett Post 128, with the Middleport Fire Department serving as the Grand Marshall.

Following the parade, a flag raising ceremony will be lead by Boy Scout Troop 222, with the National Anthem sung by Sharon Hawley.

The band “Baker’s Brew” (formerly Elixer) will preform from 8-9:30 p.m., with fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

The fireworks will take place at the upper end of Middleport with the bridge as the background.

The annual Rutland Independence Day celebration will be held on July 7.

The festivities will begin with the “Firefighters 4 Freedom” themed parade at 10 a.m. Lineup for the parade will begin at 9 a.m. at the lower end of Rutland, with big trucks and floats at Meigs Elementary. Parade winners will be announced at noon.

Food services will open at 11 a.m., along with bingo. Sign ups for the corn hole tournament will start at 11 a.m., with the tournament beginning at noon. Bounce houses and games will also begin at 11 a.m. Kids games will start at 12:30 p.m., with the dunking booth opening at 1 p.m.

Antique Tractors will be on display, with tractor games being held from 1-4 p.m. Big Time Wrestling will take to the ring at 1 p.m.

The band “Southbound” will take the stage from 2-5 p.m., with local group “Blitzkrieg” preforming at 7 p.m.

Fireworks will conclude the event at 11 p.m.

Spaces for merchandise will be available for a fee. To reserve a booth space call Danny Davis at (740) 742-2372 or (740) 508-0688.

The Wilkeville community will be hosting its annual 4th of July parade at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 4. The theme of the parade is “Land of the Free because of the Brave.” Prizes will be awarded for best 4-H float, church float, old car, most unique entry and horse entry.

Registration will occur across from the restaurant for children 10 and under, with all others registering on the hill next to the recycling bin. Registration is from 10-11 a.m.

Food will be served at the Community Center following the parade. For more information about the Wilkesville 4th of July events call (740) 669-5646.