The best thing about Fourth of July fireworks is that they're seldom a single source of entertainment. Around the tri-state region in the next week, you can find them capping off days filled with car shows, drive-in movies, baseball games, barbecues and concerts. Here's a quick rundown of ways to spend your days before ending the evening with the traditional bursts of pyrotechnics.

Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.

TODAY

... a Man in Black tribute

Georgia band Johnny Cash Now headlines the entertainment at Freedom Fest in LaFayette. Read more on Page 22.

SATURDAY AND WEDNESDAY

... roller coasters

The North Georgia sky lights up on two nights after Lake Winnepesaukah closes. See a story on Page ?

SATURDAY

... homegrown talent

Libertyfest rocks Camp Jordan with concerts by some favorite hometown singers, including the chance to see Cody McCarver, Chris McDaniel and Roger Alan Wade share the stage after their individual sets. Read more on Page 20.

TUESDAY

... classical music

The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera starts its Pops on the River concert in Coolidge Park with a flyover and ends it with fireworks. Read more on Page 20.

... more classical music

The East Tennessee Symphony Orchestra explores the musical legacy of America in its "Stars and Stripes Forever" concert at the Collegedale Greenway. Read more on Page 8.

... baseball

Fans of the Chattanooga Lookouts can stay for fireworks after the game at AT&T Field. See a story on Page 15.

... a pickle-eating contest

Spring City's Shake the Lake celebration has this dill of the week, along with a watermelon-eating contest, diaper derby and rubber-duck race. Read more on on Page 22.

WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY

... movies

At Wilderness Outdoor Movie Theater in Trenton, Ga., fireworks precede the double feature on these two nights. See "The Amazing Spider-Man" and "Men in Black 3" on Screen 1, "Brave" and "The Avengers" on Screen 2.

WEDNESDAY

... barbecue

The Signal Mountain Lions Club fires up the grill for the traditional meal at this community celebration behind the Golf and Country Club. Read more on Page 21.

... a fish fry

The Soddy-Daisy Chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America will introduce a fish fry at this year's Fourth of July celebration at Soddy Lake. There are plenty of other vendors as well, along with a car show and firemen's muster. Read more on Page 21.

... shopping

Bradley Square Mall is the site for Cleveland's festivities, which have been scaled back this year to simply a fireworks show. But it pays to come early to pick out your spot. Stores will stay open until 9 p.m., and starting at 5, you can register at the Guest Services Booth for a chance to win an Xbox 360.

... pro wrestling

Piledriver, anyone? Festivities in Dalton include an exhibition by professional wrestlers. See a story on Page 22.

... a parade

Several communities hold Fourth of July parades, but the oldest may be Dunlap's, a tradition for more than 50 years.