The Terry family, of Purdy, is inviting all to the annual Independence Day celebration beginning at 6 p.m. July 3 in downtown Purdy.

Festivities will take place at The Gathering Place in Purdy, and will include a picnic hosted by the Terry family, live music and one of the largest and longest fireworks shows in the region.

Host Julie Terry said the event feeds between 500 and 600 people each year, but local law enforcement estimates that a couple thousand attend the event, often bringing their own picnic dinners.

“It’s hard to say exactly how many people come out because they’re spread out all over the city,” she said.

While the hub of activity will be at The Gathering Place, where the Terry family will have one of its three fireworks stands set up to sell fireworks, the fireworks display is launched from the school playground near the FEMA building, and will be visible from most areas of Purdy.

Also at The Gathering Place will be live music provided by Kit Barley and the Creekside Bandits, beginning at 6 p.m. and the First Free World Baptist Vacation Bible School kids at 7 p.m.

Throughout the evening, the Terry family will be serving up jumbo beef hot dogs provided by Tyson, chips, baked beans and a cookie for $6. The family will also be selling drinks for $1.

“The reason we charge for the picnic is because our family puts this on with donations from local businesses, and we match those donations,” Terry said.

In addition to the major fireworks display, which will begin at dark, community members and visitors also spend the evening lighting their own fireworks throughout Purdy, providing a full range of displays, from youngsters with sparklers, to adults with Roman candles.

Those who are planning to attend are advised to bring their own lawn chairs or picnic blankets, as seating will be limited throughout the evening.