CHESTER – The city is hometown proud and hopes that Chester residents and visitors embrace that theme on July 4, when they celebrate America.

The day kicks off at 9 a.m. with the Freedom Run 5K, which is sponsored by the Hancock County Savings Bank. Advance registration for the race is $20 at either the bank in downtown Chester or Summit Physical Therapy.

After June 24, participants can sign up on race day until 8 a.m. for $25 at the booth located next to Family Kitchen and Smokehouse, which is the former EJ’s Restaurant.

The top three finishers in each of the run or walk categories will receive awards in their age and gender classes. The most patriotic participant also will be acknowledged.

Race packet pickup is available to the bank building, 351 Carolina Ave., between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. July 3.

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From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Chester Lions Club will host its annual car show at Chester City Park.

All makes, models and years of cars, motorcycles and trucks are welcome to compete as long as there is available space.

The cost to register is $10 per entry before noon; however, there is no admission price for spectators.

There will be 36 awards including Best of Show, Best GM, Best Ford, Best Mopar, Best Motorcycle and many more. Dash plaques will be provided to the first 175 registrants. Door prizes will be given every 15 minutes to registrants.

There will be a DJ, a 50/50 and multiple other drawings. Individuals neither have to be an entrant or be present to win the raffles.

Due to space limitations, organizers request no trailers as well as no outside music that could distract from the DJ.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

For additional information, call 412-370-7356 or email sfwilson55@gmail.com.

In case of inclement weather, the rain date for the car show is Sunday, July 14 (1 to 4 p.m.)

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The highly popular duck race along Carolina Avenue will be back again courtesy of the Sacred Heart Ladies Guild, which joins the Chester Fourth of July Committee in sponsoring the event.

The race will begin at noon, starting at the corner of 3rd and Carolina in front of First Choice Bank. There are four age groups for competitors: 0-3, 4-7, 8-12 and 13+.

The cost to adopt a duck for the race is $5.

Ducks are available at the Sacred Heart Church Center office between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays as well on July 4 before the race in front of the Chester Volunteer Fire station.

For more information, call 304-387-3760.

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Other Fourth of July activities include:

– Fun ZONE (Inflatables and other amusements), noon to 4 p.m. at Chester City Park.

– Parade (theme: Hometown Proud), 4 p.m. start time at Carolina Avenue after the 3 p.m. lineup.

– Live music, 5 to 9:30 p.m. at the stage, Chester City Park.

– Fireworks, 10 p.m. (Set-off location changed from Chester City Park to behind Allison Elementary School.)