Headliners to perform free concert on Fourth of July

Place the entire city of New Bern aboard Camp Lejeune's W.P.T, Hill Field and you've seized upon the right proportions for one of the region's largest July 4th celebrations.

About 30,000 visitors are expected for the late afternoon and evening of free entertainment, say event organizers.

This year, that entertainment includes headliner and Grammy Award-winner Lee Ann Womack, rising country crooner Jace Everett and local talent The Karg Bros.

"Each year we try and make it bigger and better than the years before," said Pasty Schneider, a manager with the Jacksonville installation's recreation branch.

With the scheduled presence of Womack ("I Hope You Dance," "I May Hate Myself in the Morning"), Schneider's team may have succeeded. The opportunity to hear a Country Music Association Female Vocalist and Grammy Award winner in an outdoor venue is rare in Eastern North Carolina. More rare is that the concert is open free to the public in the spirit of patriotism.

"This is a time when all Americans gather together and embrace the one commonality we share - being American," Schneider said in a statement.

But being American means more than country music. Also driving visitors to the military base will be General Motors Mobile Military Showroom with its games and 14-car display.

Food and other vendors and a children's area will be on site to complement those activities. The evening culminates with a fireworks display following Womack's concert.

And the bands play ...

5 p.m. The Karg Bros.

6:30 p.m. Jace Everett

7:55 p.m. Lee Ann Womack

9 p.m. Fireworks

If you are going

What: MCCS July 4th Celebration with Lee Ann Womack.

When: Events begin 5 p.m. Friday.

Where: W.P.T. Hill Field MCCS Camp Lejeune.

Cost: Free.

Contact: (910) 451-3535.

You should know: In event of inclement weather, fireworks only will be rescheduled for July 5. Events are alcohol- and pet-free; no video taping of concerts; backpacks will be searched upon entry.