From fireworks flying over the Nansemond River to leaky vessels drifting down Chuckatuck Creek, organizers have a raft of options available Saturday in Suffolk to celebrate the nation’s independence.

The city’s Stars and Stripes Spectacular at Constant’s Wharf Park, 100 E. Constance Road, runs from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Organizers say the park will be alive with entertainment, children’s activities, local merchandise vendors and lots of food choices for the annual tradition. The fireworks will be launched over the river at 9 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public, however there’s a $5 fee for unlimited access to children’s activities and bounce houses.

Parking and a shuttle service is available at the following locations:

• Former Fresh Pride, 569 E. Constance Road
• First Baptist Church, 237 N. Main St.
• Market Park, adjacent to 326 N. Main St.
• Courthouse parking lot, behind 150 N. Main St.

Shuttle runs will begin at 5:15 p.m. and run until 8:30 p.m., then resume after the fireworks.

A property owner on Desert Road is inviting the public to a free concert between 2 and 5 p.m.

Steve Daniels, who lives at 2975 Desert Road, said Nashville recording artist Colton James will perform, as well as the band Gods DNA.

“We’ll have free hamburgers and hotdogs, and the pools and hot tub will be open,” Daniels said.

Representatives from nonprofit Fishing For Heroes, which helps veterans suffering post-traumatic stress disorder, will collect donations.

Daniels said he hopes it’s the first of many such Fourth of July events at his property. “I encourage people to come out and have a good time, meet Colton and just have fun,” he said.

In North Suffolk, the annual parade in Eclipse will start at Ebenezer United Methodist Church at 10:30 a.m. Folks participating in the parade are asked to be at the church by 10 a.m., and children on bicycles will need to wear a helmet.

At about 3 p.m., the C.E&H Ruritan Club’s Fourth of July Raft Race will take place again on Chuckatuck Creek. Folks will gather at the Johnson and Sons Seafood dock to watch all the action.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m., a band will play on the soccer fields next to the church, and the Ruritan Club will ignite the fireworks at 9 p.m.

“Everybody can come and celebrate,” said Don Hawkins, a parade organizer.