Area residents will show their patriotism in several ways this Independence Day. From early morning pancake breakfasts to fireworks finales, there are several ways to celebrate around the region. Here are some of the festivities submitted to www.ChattanoogaNow.com. Check www.timesfreepress.com for updates on rain delays and cancellations.

Tennessee

• Chattanooga: The Jewish Cultural Center, 5461 North Terrace, will celebrate Independence Day today, July 4, with an indoor, air-conditioned picnic of grilled chicken and summer sides. Vegetarian meals are available if requested in advance. The Power Players Show Band will entertain. Cost at the door is $14 for adults, $9 kids ages 8-16 (free for younger children) For more information, call 423-493-0270, ext. 10, or rsvp@jewishchattanooga.com.

• Etowah: The Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration scheduled downtown today, July 4, includes a Boy Scout pancake breakfast, 7-10 a.m.; road race sponsored by First Baptist Church, 8 a.m.; opening ceremonies, 9:45 a.m.; beauty pageant sponsored by Zeta Kappa Sorority, 10-11:30 a.m.; and family games sponsored by Mayfield Dairy, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The day ends with fireworks and a big-band performance that lasts until 11 p.m. www.etowahcoc.org.

• Monteagle: Residents and visitors will have two days to celebrate. The July Fourth Parade starts at 10 a.m. today, July 4, at the Smoke House Restaurant, 850 W. Main St. The route goes down Main Street and ends at City Hall. Participants and spectators are welcome. Call 931-924-5353 for more information.

The Red, White & Blue Celebration on Saturday, July 6, will offer Music in the Park starting at noon and ending with a street dance from 7 to 10 p.m. in Harton Park, College Street and North Central Avenue. A flag-raising ceremony will open the festivities at 11:30 a.m. (all times are Central). Free inflatables and water slides will be available for the kids. Vendors will offer games, food, arts and crafts. Admission is free. For more information, call 931-924-5353.

• Whitwell: Smith Grocery, 13835 Highway 28, will be the site of a street dance from 7 to 11 p.m. CDT Saturday, Juy 6. DJ Josh will spin classic oldies and newer hits. Concessions will be available. Fireworks will round out the night. Cost of the dance is $3 for ages 13 and older, free for kids 12 and younger. Proceeds benefit Whitwell Parks and Recreation. For more information, call 423-488-0056.

Georgia

• Blairsville: Vogel State Park will celebrate America's independence with a flag-raising ceremony, bicycle parade, pedal boat races, sandcastle building competition, watermelon eating, sack races, egg toss and greased pole climbing. Park admission is free. Parking costs $5. For more information, call 706-745-2628.

• Lookout Mountain: The Independence Day Barbecue will be served 11 a.m.-3 p.m. today, July 4, at Hinkle Park, 148 Hinkle Community Road off Highway 157. Barbecue dinner plates are $7 for meat (pork or beef), bread, slaw, baked beans and a pickle. Sandwich plates are $4 for meat, bread, potato chips and pickle. Pork and beef will be sold by the pound for $8.50. Soft drinks and tea cost 75 cents. Desserts are 50 cents. All proceeds from this community fundraiser to go park expenses. For more information, call John or Barb at 706-820-1177.

• Rossville: Lake Winnepesaukah, 1730 Lakeview Drive, will light up the sky with two nights of fireworks shows shot over the water, at 10 p.m. today, July 4, and Saturday, July 6. For more information, call 706-866-5681 or visit www.lakewinnie.com.