The Sertoma Club of Georgetown is gearing up for its 31^st annual Fourth of July Celebration.

Roy Holliday, Sertoma Club chairman emeritus, estimates that up to 6,000 people visit the day-long, free festival and up to 50,000 people citywide watch the fireworks show.

Holliday recommends visitors have patience when navigating the festivities.

Get there early to get a good parking place, he said. If youre going to stay for the fireworks, have patience. For Georgetown its the worst parking jam they have all year.

He said people have been known to stake out a spot on Thursday before the Friday evening firework show.

Festivities begin at 11 a.m. when the festival area of the park opens and the Hometown Parade kicks off at the low-water crossing near the College Street Bridge and ending at the gazebo.

Keith Hutchinson, public communications manager for the city of Georgetown, said those interested in participating in the parade should be at the starting point by 10:45 a.m., and children are encouraged to decorate wagons and bikes for the parade.

Food vendors will be on-site along with craft vendors, a petting zoo and an antique car show.

More than 10 entertainers will take the stage throughout the day, and the night will wrap up with a firework show at 9:30 p.m.

Viewing areas include San Gabriel Park and VFW Park, among others. The Uptown Social will have a celebration from 710 p.m. with live music, drink specials, an all-you-can-eat hot dog buffet and a view of the fireworks. Tickets are $15.

Mels Lone Star Lanes is also hosting a Fourth of July Bowling Bonanza with a special from from 11 a.m.6 p.m. when one and a half hours of bowling and four shoe rentals will be $25. Fireworks can be seen from the bowling alley.