Residents of New Bern and towns in the area have plenty of choices Wednesday for places to go to join Independence Day celebrations. Here are some of the attractions.

Atlantic Beach: Fireworks and entertainment at The Grove (formerly The Circle). Sammy O'Banion and the Marti Gras Band will perform from 8 p.m. to midnight. Fireworks 9 p.m. Information at 726-2121.

Beaufort: July 4 tradition continues with 11 a.m. parade that includes kids and pets on the downtown waterfront (begins at the fire department). Information at 728-3917.

Camp Lejeune: Rising country star Danielle Peck returns to her North Carolina roots by taking the stage at 5:30 p.m. for a free concert at W.P.T. Hill Field aboard Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune. General admission seating for the show. Gates open 3 p.m. Peck to be followed by Marine Forces Reserve Band at 7 p.m. and then fireworks. Children's activity area opens 4:30 p.m. Fireworks only rescheduled for July 5 in the event of inclement weather. Open to the public. Information at (910) 451-3535.

Emerald Isle: 9:30 p.m. fireworks at Bogue Inlet Pier. Some public parking avail-able. Information at 354-6350.

Havelock: Freedom Festival and fireworks. Festival 5 to 9 p.m. and includes food, games and pie eating contest at Walter B. Jones Park. Dunking booth will feature City Manager Jim Freeman and Commissioner Will Lewis. Events free, vendors onsite. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Information at 444-6429.

Morehead City: Fourth of July Celebration with the band Flashpoint 7 to 11 p.m. at Jaycee Park, 9th and Shepard streets. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Vendors will set up in park offering food, drinks, face painting and other activities. Information at 726-5083.

New Bern: Activities at Union Point Park. Water and children's activities from 1 to 5 p.m.; 2d Marine Aircraft Wing Band performs 7 to 9 p.m.; fireworks 9:15 to 10 p.m. Picnics welcome.

Tryon Palace: Gardens open free 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; period and thematic craft activi-ties and demonstrations, colonial games from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Fife and Drum Corps parade at 11 a.m.; dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence from 11 a.m. to noon; free film in visitor center auditorium "The First Fourth of July" at 2 p.m. Information at 514-4900.

 Sonja Babic "Your New Bern connection" is wishing you all great "Fourth of July"

     More information on the New Bern area at http://www.sonjababic.com/