This year, don't just celebrate Independence Day with a backyard barbecue and evening fireworks.

Make a whole day of July 4 by joining the 50-year celebration of Ann Morrison Park in Boise and sticking around long enough to see the fireworks display.

The City of Boise is hosting a series of free daytime events in Ann Morrison Park, including music and children's games, plus an exhibit honoring the Morrison family and employees of Morrison Knudsen Co.

Daytime activities include children's games (relay races, capture the flag, soccer and crafts) coordinated by Boise Parks & Recreation's mobile recreation van staff from 3 to 5:30 p.m.; patriotic and popular music by the Boise Municipal Band under the direction of Boise State music professor Marcellus Brown from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; and a ceremony with Boise Mayor David Bieter, Velma Morrison and members of Ann Daly Morrison's family from 6:30 to 7 p.m.

At dusk (approximately 10:15 p.m.), ooh and aww under a fireworks display presented by Today's Channel 6, 107.1 K-Hits, Idaho Statesman and the City of Boise.

The program will be simulcast on Channel 6 and 107.1 K-Hits. Pronto Pups, State Fair Lemonades and TCBY will offer food and drinks for sale.

But wait ... That means you have three hours to entertain the kids before the fireworks start?

Take advantage of this free time and explore the 153-acre Ann Morrison Park, which features a spray fountain, Candy Cane playground, tennis courts, lighted softball diamonds, sports fields, an 18-hole disc golf course and the Old Timer's picnic shelter.

Pack in a picnic dinner and enjoy an evening meal al fresco with family and friends.

Then strike up some friendly competition with a game of horseshoes. There are three horseshoe pits available in the park on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Or rally a couple of teams for disc golf, tennis, softball or volleyball. Ann Morrison Park offers two softball fields and one sand volleyball court.

Or just go for a family bike ride or stroll. Boise's 22.5-mile Greenbelt also runs through Ann Morrison Park.

Brenda Gutierrez: 377-6440