Independence Day schedule in Maricopa

JULY 4
7:30 a.m.
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club hosts a four-person scramble for a “Red, White and Blue Golf Outing.” Cost is $50 plus tax, which includes 18 holes with cart, post-golf buffet, complimentary bottles of water, on-course contests, and awards for best dressed and most patriotic golfer. 520-426-6830; AkChinSouthernDunes.com

4 p.m.
Ak-Chin Indian Community Milton P. Antone Park on Farrell Road will have a watermelon eating contest, hot dog eating contest and talent show, as well as jumping castles and water activities.

6 p.m.
Great American 4th is the city of Maricopa’s Independence Day celebration at Copper Sky Regional Park, 44345 W. Martin Luther King Blvd. Entry is free. The day includes a Kids Water Zone with wet and dry inflatable water slides and bouncers. A wristband for entry to the Kids Water Zone is $5 ($4 in advance at Copper Sky). Maricopa Fire Department will spray children with water for 10 minutes on the hour every hour. Also look for food vendors, the game truck, community entertainment and a performance by the cover band Nine Ball.

Maricopa’s COMET transit service will provide free transportation to Copper Sky from seven locations: Santa Rosa Elementary School, Santa Cruz Elementary School, Maricopa Wells Middle School, Butterfield Elementary School, Maricopa Elementary School, Saddleback Elementary School and Ace Hardware.

6 p.m.
Taylor Hicks will perform in The Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin in a free show of southern soul, R&B, country and blues.

8:30 p.m. (approximately)
Fireworks at Ak-Chin Community.

9 p.m.
Patriotic Ceremony at Copper Sky with Mayor Christian Price, the City Council, Maricopa Honor Guard and Miss City of Maricopa Jaime Buchholz during the Great American 4th.