WEIRTON — Independence Day is about a month away, and the Weirton community is looking to celebrate the holiday with a bang.

City officials are planning a slate of activities in observance of the nation’s founding, all scheduled for July 5.

“We want to bring more quality of life events to the city,” explained Mayor Dean Harris.

It will all kick off at 4 p.m., with the Independence Day Parade, organized by the Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation. This year’s parade will feature a theme of “A New Beginning.”

Following the parade, a collection of free activities and entertainment will take place in and around the Millsop Community Center, including water slides, live music, craft vendors, food trucks, inflatables, face painting, games, and more.

“We want to have some family events for everyone to enjoy,” Harris said.

There also are plans for a series of contests – the Patriotic Pet contest, a Pie Baking contest, and a Bike Decorating contest.

“We wanted to bring in community participation,” Assistant City Manager DeeAnn Pulliam said.

The deadline to enter all three contests is June 12, with information on how to participate available online through the City of Weirton’s website at www.cityofweirton.com, and through the official Weirton, WV – City Government Facebook page.

The day will conclude at the Weirton Event Center, with the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau hosting a performance by the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m., and a fireworks display at approximately 9:45 p.m. to be set off behind Municipal Plaza.