Festivals and fireworks celebrate the Fourth of July

This year's festival programs focus on the cultures of Cape Verde, an island nation off the coast of West Africa; the Czech Republic; women singers and musicians from 20 different Native American groups; and Russian sacred and secular songs presented by Russians and Americans of Russian descent. The programs include craft demonstrations, cooking demonstrations, storytelling, music and dance.

The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. In the evening there are dance parties featuring traditional music from 5:30 to 7 and concerts featuring musicians from festival programs every night (except July 4) from 7 to 9. Festival food services remain open during these activities. Admission is free. For information, call [phone].

Fun on the farm

For a family outing with old-fashioned fun, a good choice is the holiday celebration at the Carroll County Farm Museum in Westminster from noon until 9 p.m. July 1.

Here you'll find old-time activities like three-legged and sack races, patriotic music, picnicking on the lawn, entertainment, craft vendors and fireworks. Entertainment begins on the farm stage at 12:30 p.m. and features a variety of sounds -- country, Irish-American, bluegrass, and pipes and drums -- as well as cloggers and a vaudeville act. A fashion show featuring men's and women's clothing of the 1800s will be presented in the museum's flower and herb garden, and the farmhouse will be open for tours. The day concludes with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults; $2 for ages 7 to 18 and 60 and over; free for under 6. For information, call [phone].

Four on the Fourth

Annapolis is the only town from the time of the original 13 Colonies to have four preserved homes once owned by signers of the Declaration of Independence. On July Fourth these four men, Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Samuel Chase, William Paca and Thomas Stone, portrayed by interpreters, will welcome the public into their gardens, all located in the town's historic district, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

An "Annapolis 300" button, which costs $8 for adults, $16 for families, provides admission to all four gardens and is available at any of the sites. For information, call [phone].

President's plantation

"Plantation Days" will be held at President James Monroe's 535-acre estate outside Charlottesville, Va., July 1-2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The grounds will be filled with costumed crafts people, soldiers, musicians and others who would have been on the scene in the 1800s. The First Virginia Regiment will set up camp on the grounds and be engaged in camp cooking, drilling and other duties. An interpreter will give a series of first-person presentations as one of Monroe's slaves. Visitors can also learn Scottish dancing, play 19th-century games and join activities like soap making and candle dipping. There will be tours of the house, and food can be purchased on the grounds.

Admission is $8 for adults; $7 for 60 and over and $4 for under 12. Ash Lawn-Highland is on the James Monroe Parkway (county Route 795) near I-64 and U.S 250, 2 1/2 miles southeast of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. For information, call [phone].