As America celebrates its independence today, the Red, White and Bluegrass Festival goes out with a colorful bang. The festival concludes at the Collett Street Recreation Center at the corner of King and Collett streets in downtown Morganton tonight.

After Grammy award-winning band Cherryholmes hits the stage at 8:45 p.m. and wraps up the weeklong music fest, the sky will alight with the showers of a huge fireworks show.

But there is still plenty of Fourth of July, old-fashioned family fun activities to participate in before that. At 3:30 p.m. find out how much watermelon you can eat. For a $3 entry fee you can eat your way to a first-, second- or third-place finish with cash prizes awarded.

Think you're strong enough to make it to the top? Prepare to get dirty as you try your luck on the greased-pole climb for some cash.

But the big money comes at the frog-jumping contest. With a grand prize of $250 you and your green friend can jump your way to a profitable victory. Thirteen-year-old Morganton resident Travis Bingham was the lucky winner last year.

Other cash prizes will be awarded for first- through third-place runners-up. Event organizer Gary Leonhardt said you have to bring your own frog, and he doesn't allow frog sharing. The rules are one jump for each frog and one shot at glory. Folks can register up to the start of the event.

Even if you haven't been putting your frog through Olympic-style training in the weeks leading up to the jump, you can still join in the fun.

There also is no need to go hungry or thirsty. Plenty of vendors with summertime treats will be on hand.

The day also will be filled with bluegrass music, volleyball, horseshoes, miniature golf, swimming and more.

The Martha White Bluegrass Bus Museum will be on site so you can follow Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs during the early days of the Grand Ole Opry.