Thorsby will hold its annual Independence Day celebration on Wednesday, July 2 at Richard Wood Park.

The free event is sponsored by local churches and officials, and will begin at 7 p.m.

In addition, Collins Chapel Baptist Church will hold its annual ice cream contest prior to the celebration.

The focal point of the celebration is prayer and acknowledgment of America’s leaders and freedom, according to event organizer Jennifer Curry.

Fireworks will conclude the program at dark, around 9 p.m.

“It’s a joint effort between the churches and the community,” Curry said. “There are a lot of churches and individuals that step up to help out with the celebration.”

The Rev. Marc Hodges with Thorsby First Baptist Church will begin and end the program with prayer, and Music Minister Dana Lawrence will perform the National Anthem.

State Rep. Kurt Wallace, Probate Judge Bobby Martin, County Commissioner Allen Caton and Youth Minister Casey Brand will join efforts to pray for the churches and local, state and national leaders.

Attendees will receive messages from various pastors and also hear several song selections from church choirs and individuals.

Vocalists include 2014 Miss Peach Tayler Mazingo, Thorsby First Baptist adult choir, Hodges, Terry Jackson, Charlie Johnson and Selena Price.

Taps will be played by Samuel Gasson, and “Amazing Grace” will be performed by John Nichols on bagpipes.

Curry said that all are invited to take part in the celebration of the country’s independence.