Downtown Columbus has a busy week coming up.
Of course, preparations are under way for the town’s Fab Fourth celebration on Wednesday, July 4.  But even before that, the town will be full as crowds gather at Veterans Park for the 39th Columbus Fire Department BBQ and Gospel Sing.
The annual event, always held on the four days before the Fourth of July, features a barbecue meal and four free nights of gospel singing from both nationally known performers and popular local groups.
A special patriotic ceremony will be held on Tuesday, July 3 featuring a white dove release in memory of those who gave all for their country.
Sponsored by the Columbus Fire Department and WJFJ Radio, the BBQ and Gospel Sing raises funds for fire department equipment and other needs. In addition to barbecue, the fire department will sell hot dogs, hamburgers and cold soft drinks for supper all four days.
The music will begin each night at 7 p.m., with a live broadcast available each night on WJFJ Radio 1160.

Organizers recommend bringing lawn chairs. In case of rain, the event will be held at the Columbus Baptist Church. For more information or directions, call 828-894-5858.
The music line-up this year includes:
Saturday, June 30
• Naomi and the Segos, a legendary Gospel Music Hall of Fame group.
• The Jimmy Justice Family, a family group from Hendersonville, N.C. that features almost a dozen instruments and vocalists. This family has also had several national charting singles.
• Greg Day, a singer-songwriter from Greer, S.C.,who has written numerous top 10 and 20 songs, including the well-known hit “The Midnight Cry.”
• Reflection of Grace, an up-and-coming Saluda-based trio.
Sunday, July 1
• The Diplomats, a Georgia-based group with the top-20 song “Soul Healing.”
• Brian Birchfield, a vocalist from Surgoinsville, Tenn. with a current song on the national charts.
• The Atkins family, a regional favorite from Greenville, S.C.
• The Master’s Singers, a family trio from Chesnee, S.C.
Monday, July 2
(bluegrass night)
• The Watkins Family, an award-nominated family group from Georgia.
• The King James Boys, a nationally known bluegrass group from Cowpens, S.C.
• Soldiers for the Cross, local favorite from Sunny View.
Tuesday, July 3
• Mike Upright, a soloist based in Penrose, N.C., with dozens of top 40 national singles.
• The Phillips Family, a nationally known family group based in Gaffney, S.C.
• Soul Vision, a popular Henderson County group that has just released its first single.
• Wells of Joy, a country gospel group from the Glassy Mountain area.