In its 21st year, the annual Third of July fireworks festival in Freeland, Celebrate America, is now old enough to order a drink.

It couldn’t pop open a beer because the festival is held at a public park, but there is plenty of fun to be had.

Celebrating sober has plenty of merit at this annual party for the old stars and stripes, largely geared as a family-friendly atmosphere by the organizing South Whidbey Assembly of God church.

Fireworks gazing, stage entertainment and playhouses are all free. The only thing that costs money is food. Even parking and optional use of a shuttle to the park comes without any cost to visitors.

Here are some must-do activities leading up to the grand finale of bombs-a-bursting glory.

Bouncy house madness

Take children (with maturity being only a social construct, its range is really endless) to jump around the bouncy house or the inflatable slides. Children line up before the 3 p.m. opening to hop around or trot through the obstacle course only to pop out and get right back in line. Where they get the energy is anyone’s guess.

Indulge your tastebuds 

Like any outdoor festival worth its salt, Celebrate America brings in a handful of different food vendors to offer a smorgasbord for hungry attendees. Families can divide-and-conquer, ordering everything from burgers and Asian-style noodles to kettle corn, Whidbey Coffee and cotton candy. Don’t forget water too, as forecasters are predicting hot and sunny weather.

Become Spider-Man or a turtle

A handful of volunteers will decorate faces, hands, arms and legs with body paint. In past years, they had a dozen or so designs, ranging from a small, waving flag to Hello Kitty and even a full Spider-Man mask.

Walk Holmes Harbor’s beach

With some earlier exercise from the inflatables and food ingested, go for a short strut along the beach of Holmes Harbor. The county park’s shore only recently resumed clam harvesting after being closed for years due to high toxin levels.

Visit historic Freeland Hall

At the top of the hill looking over the park is the century-old Freeland Hall. The historic building has hosted many important South Whidbey meetings and offers a great vantage to see the water and park. And, perhaps most importantly, it is tucked away among some tall timber for much-needed shade.

Dancers, illusions, Celtic rock, gospel

This year’s stage entertainment runs the gamut for anyone interested in taking a seat for a spell. Island Dance, a South Whidbey-based dance school, is the first act at 6 p.m. The youngsters of The Kelly Chambers Band follow up and set the stage for the wonders of magician Jeff Evans.

Closing out the day’s and early evening’s events is Total Experience Gospel Choir, which should absolutely not be missed.

Boat show

South Whidbey Fire/EMS will put on a demonstration of its fireboat, made just up the road at North Cross Aluminum, at 7 p.m. Look to the water or walk toward the dock to watch it.

Fireworks finale

Around 10 p.m., with all the stage acts wrapped and food eaten, find a place on the lawn or the hill to view the fireworks just offshore. By 10:30 p.m., it begins.