The Town of Columbus is preparing for its 37th annual Fabulous 4th celebration in downtown Columbus from 10 a.m. til 10 p.m. on July 4.

Mayor Kathleen McMillian said that admission is free for the day of family fun. Activities will include a bicycle parade, amusement rides, craft vendors, food and drinks for sale, huge fireworks displays, and music on two stages.

A new feature of the event this year is the bicycle contest and parade. Youngsters and adults are invited to bring their bicycles, decorated for the occasion. Entries should arrive early to line up for the parade, which begins at 9:45 a.m..

The line up is in front of King Law Offices (the former WWE building) at the corner of Houston Road and Mills Street. Bicycles will be judged on creativity and patriotism. One first place prize will be awarded for the adults&squo; entries and one for the children&squo;s entries.

The music kicks off at 11:10 am on the main stage and at noon on the street stage and, according to Peter Eisenbrown, main stage entertainment chairman, there&squo;s going to be something for everyone.

&dquo;We have an excellent lineup of entertainers on the main stage,&dquo; he said. &dquo;We&squo;ve got Johnny Cash-type country, country rock, some high energy jazz and, of course, bluegrass and blues.&dquo;

Various groups will entertain throughout the day and, in the evening, Pinecastle Records artists will take the stage. First will be Darin and Brook Aldridge, followed by The Special Consensus. Both these groups have recent CD releases on the Pinecastle label, and Eisenbrown says they are sure to put on quite a show.

The street stage, located near the corner of Mills and Walker streets, features the best of local and regional talent such as The Lone Derangers and the Shane Pruitt Band. Doug Dacey, a member of The Lone Derangers, is the street stage chairman.

Handicapped parking is available for disabled guests on Courthouse and Gibson streets. Limited golf cart shuttle service will be available.

Fabulous 4th is presented by Sam&squo;s Club of Hendersonville. Other primary sponsors include Pinecastle Records, King Law Offices, GDS Republic and McGill Associates.

The following businesses and organizations have also helped make the event possible: Diamond B Energies, James Tool, Carolina First Bank, American Party Tent Rentals, Tryon Daily Bulletin, Watson&squo;s Carpet & Appliance, VFW 9116, Mountain First Bank, Shirley Odel of Farm Bureau Insurance, Professional Auto Service, and Macon Bank.

For more information, please visit www.Fabulous4th.com or call the town hall, 828-894-8236.