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Patriotism and family fun will be on display Saturday when Frederick's 26th annual Independence Day celebration begins at noon at Baker Park.

Celebrate Frederick Inc., a private nonprofit that works with the city's Office of Special Events, organizes "Frederick's 4th" each year.

According to Amy Riley, the city's special events manager, the celebration attracts more than 70,000 people each year, depending on the weather.

Celebrate Frederick's volunteer committee starts to plan nine months before the event, Riley said. "We really try to focus on free family fun," she added.

The daylong Independence Day celebration will begin with the singing of the national anthem and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance at the Bandshell, followed by a "Best Patriotic Dressed Competition" at 2:30 p.m. for adults, teens and children.

A children's area will host a scavenger hunt, art mural, pony rides, petting zoo and martial arts demonstrations from 12:30 to 7 p.m.

Adults may rent canoes, kayaks and paddle boats on Culler Lake or test their skills on a rock-climbing wall. The Edward P. Thomas Jr. municipal pool will also be open from 12:30 to 8 p.m.

Though residents are forbidden to bring alcohol to Baker Park, there will be three beer gardens selling alcoholic beverages near the William Talley Recreation Center and the main and country music stages.

A chili cook-off and a pizza-eating contest are also scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively.

E-mail Katherine Mullen at kmullen@gazette.net.

-Noon-9p.m., Baker Park

-Fireworks display at dusk

-Picnics permitted

-No alcohol or pets

-www.celebratefrederick.com

Parking:

-West Patrick Street, East Church Street, Carroll Creek and Court Street parking decks: $1

-Frederick High School, 650 Carroll Parkway: $4 (proceeds benefit Frederick High sports boosters)

-Side streets surrounding Baker Park: free