CHRISTINA EICHELKRAUT / PVT Pahrumpians can enjoy fireworks on both Friday and Saturday, first at the Pahrump Nugget Friday evening and then Saturday at Petrack Park as the grand finale for the annual Freedom Festival. Advertisement

America's Independence Day falls perfectly on the weekend this year, and as usual Pahrump will give its residents and visitors a weekend-long celebration of fun, food and festivity to make sure July Fourth comes and in (and goes out) with a bang.

The celebration will start Friday morning at 9 a.m. when a patriotic parade makes its way around the Calvada Eye featuring volunteer participants (including Lady Liberty).

The Pahrump Nugget is also throwing a birthday bash for the nation that day and has plenty in store for anyone looking for good, clean family fun.

It all begins at 2 p.m. when attendees can chow down at the All-America buffet inside the Nugget for only $5.

The All-American buffet will really be more of a traditional July Fourth barbecue (just with a lot more guests) so expect the kind of good food you'd get at a neighbor's house.

There will be summer staples like hot dogs and hamburgers and of course all the trimmings like salad, corn and beans.

A perfect way to work off all that food is to head out to the north parking lot and enjoy the live music starting at 5:30 p.m.

Or, if you're still hungry, you can put your munchies to good use and enter one of the many eating contests set to begin at 6 p.m. (sign up is at 5 p.m.).

Prove your eating prowess in the pie-eating, watermelon-eating or hot dog-eating contest.

And of course, there will be fireworks at 9:15.

But Pahrump would never settle for simply one fireworks show or a one-day party. Town residents and visitors will have plenty to do well into Saturday night.

After all, the Freedom Festival will take place on both Friday and Saturday at Petrack Park.

Starting at 10 a.m. Friday, vendors will be hawking fares ranging from crafts and homemade goods to chili-cheese fries and corn dogs.

Nothing says America like a politician, and the festival is the place to be if you want a chance to meet and greet your local candidates for this year's election.

Live bands and several contests (including local favorite, Pahrump Idol) are guaranteed to keep the park busy.

And of course, Pahrump will maintain its reputation for having the biggest fireworks show in the state thanks to Zambelli Fireworks Internationale.

Those are set to go off Saturday, July 5 at approximately 9:15 p.m. It may be a day late, but that is a reason to celebrate an extra day.