The North Boroughs' annual Independence Day fireworks will take place on Friday, July 2, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Avalon Field on New Brighton Road.

This year's fireworks will feature an all new display set to a background of patriotic music.

The celebration will kick off at 7:30 p.m. when Uptown Rhythm & Brass takes the stage. At 8 p.m., the Avonworth and Northgate varsity football teams will compete in the third annual hotdog eating contest. The band will return to the stage until the fireworks begin, about 9:30 p.m.

The Avalon Police Department will give away eight new bicycles in a free raffle held prior to the fireworks. There also will be a refreshment stand.

This community celebration is a collaborative funding effort of the municipalities of Avalon, Bellevue, Ben Avon, Ben Avon Heights, Emsworth, Kilbuck and Ohio Township, as well as private donations.

The rain date is Saturday, July 10. Any cancelation of the fireworks will be posted on The Citizen's home page at www.thecitizen.us