TALLADEGA — The Parks and Recreation Department, the Chamber of Commerce and the Merchants Association have a full slate of events planned for the city’s observation of Independence Day, which will be Saturday this year.

Since the celebration is also on the first Saturday of the month, the TMA and the chamber are tying some special events in with First Saturday Market on the square.

In addition to the merchants who are always a part of the market, there will be live music from Hill Street (10:30 a.m. to noon or 12:30 p.m.), free Blue Bell ice cream, a Boston butt sale courtesy of Miller’s Barbecue, and a bake sale to benefit the TMA, according to Cheryl Cooper, who is planning this year’s event.

The market opens at 8:30 a.m. Boston butts are selling for $25 and can be pre-ordered by calling 256-362-1644 and asking for Cheryl or Gail or calling 256-362-3092 and asking for Keela. Pickup will be on the square Saturday.

Flags will also be handed out, and several politicians and local officials are expected to be on hand.

“We’re really hoping to get good participation from the chamber and TMA members for the bake sale, too,” Cooper said.

Once the market winds down, Talladegans will have the opportunity to cool down for a few hours before heading out to Veterans Park for the city’s annual celebration, according to Parks and Recreation director Parvin Neloms.

The celebration will be 6 p.m.-9 p.m., with musical entertainment provided by the Hill Street Band, making their Fourth of July debut in Talladega.

Neloms said there will also be inflatable games, face painting and sports for the children. There will be a variety of food vendors, but you will need to bring your own deck chair.

The fireworks, once again provided by Pyrotechnico, will begin at dusk. Admission is free.

For more information, call the Spring Street Recreation Center at 256-362-0514.

provided by the Hill Street Band, making their Fourth of July debut in Talladega.