The fireworks at the annual Pops on the River event.

LITTLE ROCK — The older you get, the less fun birthdays have a tendency to be - unless you're talking about the good ol' U. S. of A., in which case a birthday bash is reason for a national holiday. Of course, every community across the country celebrates the Fourth, and in much the same way - food, fun and fireworks. As such, there are a lot of potential places to celebrate Independence Day. Here's a overview of some events of interest to check out around the metro:

Pops on the River, Little Rock

From humble beginnings in the midst of a torrential downpour, Pops has grown to be one of the largest events in Little Rock every year, drawing crowds estimated at around 30,000. Presented by Sync's publishing parent, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the 26-year-old celebration annually features a free public performance of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra at the Riverfest Amphitheatre - and this year will be no different.

However, new to the entertainment lineup this year will be the finals of the newspaper's "Oh Say Can You Sing?" contest, where locals will display their vocal talents pouring out our national anthem. Also on stage will be the Happy Tymes Jazz Band, and of course the evening will conclude with a fireworks display over the Arkansas River. Oh, and there's concessions, attractions and general all around good times to boot.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; entertainment begins at 6:30 and the fireworks at 9:30.

Fourth Fest, Maumelle

Not every celebration can boast at being older than the city that's putting it on, but Maumelle's Fourth Fest has that remarkable distinction. Though the city wasn't incorporated until 1985, the annual community Fourth of July event will be in its 32nd year in 2009. And it'll be a fun party. Naturally, there will be fireworks over Lake Willastein Park at the conclusion, but in the meantime, the park will be filled with carnival rides and food vendors, and musical entertainment will be on stage at the amphitheater. Speaking from experience here, the corndogs are not to be missed.

Also, in an addition to patriotic observance, a flag retirement ceremony, including the customary cutting and burning of the flags to avoid desecration, will be held at the Maumelle Veterans Memorial on site at the park at 5 p.m.

Family Fest, Bryant

For those in Saline County looking for live music, look no further than the Bryant Family Festival at Mills Park. Music starts at 5 p.m. on Friday with local bands and ends that night with a 9 p.m. concert by rising pop band Thriving Ivory.

On Saturday, the vocal talent contest starts at 11 a.m. and that day of live music ends with headliner Tragikly White starting at 8 p.m. and the "largest fireworks display in Saline County," according to organizers. This year will also feature a Kids Stage, swimming pool games, skateboarding and a Rock Band/Guitar Hero contest.

Fireworks Extravaganza, Heber Springs

Fire over water is a potent combination, and as such there are few settings in central Arkansas to match Greers Ferry Lake as backdrop for a patriotic bash. As is custom, the city will be putting on a display beginning around 9:30 p.m. on the Fourth at Sandy Beach in Heber Springs. Bring a blanket and a healthy supply of ooohs and aaaahs.

10th Annual Fourth of July, Sherwood

It's not uncommon to find food and drink at a family-oriented municipal fireworks display, but in Sherwood, free refreshments are part of the package. Yup, that's right, have a Pepsi without paying a penny and watch the big bangs go boom at Sherwood Forest. Activities for the kids are included, and there's even a shuttle service from Sylvan Hills High School. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. and is scheduled to go until 9 p.m.

Fourth of July Celebration, Benton

If there's a downside to celebrating the Fourth, it's that it has to be right in the middle of the summer, which in Arkansas means being outdoors isn't always pleasant. Well, the city of Benton has an answer in its free Fourth activities at Tyndall Park inside the mercifully air-conditioned Gene Moss Building. Hear the music of local talents Joe Lee Richards, one-man-band Don Mason, and singer Dean Mathis. The music starts at 6 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled for 9 p.m., but it's a good bet those will have to be outside.