SOUTHERN, ILLINOIS — Independence Day Celebrations will be happening across the country this weekend and our area will have its share of events.

The Centralia American Legion Fourth of July Celebration starts tonight at 6 p.m. at Fairview Park, with Bingo.

The Carnival will also be at the park starting tonight and running thru Monday. Arm bands will be available each night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Due to vendor problems, the fireworks display will be held Saturday night.

Mt. Vernon will hold its 36th Annual Salute to Freedom Celebration at the Mt. Vernon Outland Airport starting with DJ entertainment, laser tag, inflatables, concessions and live performances by The United States Air Force Concert Band at 7:30 p.m., and a colossal fireworks display at dusk.

Carlyle Lake Fireworks Spectacular is scheduled for Saturday.

Activities will kick off at 12:30 tomorrow afternoon with a sandcastle contest, then beach games at 1, an appearance of Bobber the Water Safety Dog at 3:30 and fireworks will start at dusk.

The Dam Jam line-up includes Kendell Johnson starting at 1 p.m., The Jumpstarts at 2:30, Stumpwater Shine at 4, Rollin Dirty at 6 and Riverside Tavern Revival with Double Shot at 7:30.

The 11th Annual Centralia Veteran’s Commission Fourth of July Parade will be held Monday at 1 p.m. and will start at the intersection of West Broadway and South Chestnut Street where it will proceed west on Broadway to the Fairview Park entrance.

In Vandalia, the Lions Club’s annual fireworks show will kick off around 9:20 p.m. Saturday at  Vandalia Lake.  

In Salem, the holiday celebration will kick off at 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday, with entertainment from Chain Station, Taylor Steele and Love Preachers, along with John Spicer, Greg Klyma and Lakeside.

Fireworks will start after the entertainment, around dusk.