It's that time of year again. Time to fire up the grill, spread out a big blanket with your loved ones, watch the night sky light up and celebrate the freedom of being American. In between all the picnics and parties, take a minute to check out these great events around Casper today.

The Independence Day Celebration begins at 4 p.m. at the Casper Events Center. There will be a beer garden, food and vendor booths and much more. Live music includes the Tracey Blake Project at 5 p.m., Devon Allman's Honeytribe at 7 p.m. and headliner No More Kings at 8:45 p.m. The fireworks display starts at 10 p.m. The Official Fireworks Festival soundtrack will be broadcast on 104.7, 107.9, AM 1030, K2 Radio, 96.7, 95.5, and AM 1400.

No glass containers and no alcohol are permitted to be carried onto the premises. Coolers, food and beverages are permitted.

Admission is $10 per vehicle, $5 per motorcycle, or free if all occupants in the vehicle have tickets to the Wyoming Cavalry indoor football game. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Casper Events Center box office (307) 577-3030 or (800) 442-2256 or visit www.CasperEventsCenter.com.

The Wyoming Cavalry play the Arizona Adrenaline at the Events Center at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the event includes a special performance by country music artist Bryan Ragsdale. Stick around and enjoy the fireworks show after the game. For more information or to purchase tickets call (307) 577-3030 or (307) 232-8170.

The Casper Ghosts take on the Ogden Raptors at Mike Lansing Field at 7 p.m. The day will be filled with many great American favorites to celebrate the country's independence. To purchase tickets call (307) 232-1111 or visit www.ghostsbaseball.com.

The Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo kicks off tonight at the fairgrounds. Carnival rides run from 6 p.m. to midnight and armbands are $26. From 8 p.m. to midnight dance to The Avengers in the entertainment tent on the west end of the grandstand.

The Alcova Marina is shooting off fireworks after dark. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (307) 472-6666.