Rest up, folks, the 2003 Trinity Fest Fourth of July celebration is going to take all the stamina you have. From an afternoon filled with music, rides, food and fun right up to the fireworks program choreographed by the pyrotechnic genius of Gruccis of New York, this promises to be a patriotic bash to end all bashes. It begins at 2 p.m. at 600 Memorial Drive (at Reunion Lot E south of the Dallas Convention Center arches). Eat yourself silly, visit the arts-and-crafts marketplace, enjoy the rides and then get over to the Bud Light Main Stage and listen to the music of Latina pop music group Moenia (4 p.m.), R&B singer Monica (6 p.m.) and country-and-western artist Ricky Van Shelton (8 p.m.). You can visit the Dallas Cowboys Traveling Hall of Fame exhibit and relive the greatest moments in America's Team's history and watch the Cowboys cheerleaders and Dallas Desperado dancers perform, meet team mascots Rowdy and Kid Coyote and say hello to the Dallas Sidekicks. The Teen Zone offers extreme sports games, karaoke contests, a rock-climbing wall and music, while the Kids Zone features rides, games and entertainer Joanie Bartels. Southwest Airlines will sponsor a patriotic costume contest open to all ages, and winners of the Comcast "I Love America" essay contest will be announced by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, the festival's honorary chairwoman. Then, at 9:30, there's the "Star Spangled Tribute to America" fireworks show. Afterward, R&B band Road Crew will entertain until midnight. All for the admission price of $3.50 for adults and $1.50 for children 10 and under. Visit www.DallasTrinityFest.com or call 214-871-3029. --Carlton Stowers
7/8
Feeling Dandy
Has patriotism taken a backseat in the lifestyles of our citizens? A year ago people were humming "Yankee Doodle," sticking stars and stripes across their SUVs and shoe-polishing democratic pride on windows. Now the only level-orange alert we're worried about concerns the heat index and air pollution. Independence Day is almost here, so when you pull out your flag and American values, accept that some things never change, like the Electoral College or a musical that only costs 15 cents. On Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., the Lakewood Theater presents the classic film Yankee Doodle Dandy, a lyrical map of the life of composer/singer/dancer George M. Cohan. Admission is really 15 cents. Lakewood Theater, 1825 Abrams Parkway. Call 214-827-LAKE. --Desirée Henry
7/3
Four Score
After the fireworks, get ready for some major '80s slumber party nostalgia. Think lip-synching and "Jesse's Girl" because Rick Springfield headlines the musical lineup Saturday at Garland's Star Spangled Fourth festival, raging on through Sunday. Dallas' Stereo Fuse opens for Springfield. Regional and local acts perform on two additional stages. The Landmark Stage features bands from around the state playing Latino, jazz, blues, country, rock, classical and more. Local dance studios, vocal groups and other performers occupy the Community Stage. Fireworks for downtown Garland's Star Spangled Fourth festival are 9:30 p.m., right before each evening's headline act. Main Stage entertainment begins at 7 p.m. nightly Thursday through Sunday. Admission is free. Call 972-205-2749 or click on www.starspangledfourth.com. --Cheryl Smith
7/3
Set It Off
If you grew up in the city, you probably never had the joy of exploding a cow patty with $20 worth of Black Cats. We won't dwell on other fond memories that the Fourth of July fireworks stir in us...eye injuries, singed hair, stop-drop-and-roll...If you are one of the thousands who would rather be a fireworks spectator than actually have a body part blown off by a bottle rocket, the 18th Annual Addison Kaboom Town promises to dazzle. Nearly 100,000 people are expected to gather throughout the town and at area restaurants to witness the 30-minute display that begins at dusk. For more information, log on to http://www.addisontexas.net. --Michelle Martinez
