Make it an action-packed weekend. Fourth of July festivities in towns throughout the region offer traditional Independence Day fun leading up to fireworks.

Get a jump on the celebration at Thursday's Lower Township Independence Day Festival being held between Lincoln Boulevard and Emerson Avenue in North Cape May. The family fun starts at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 2, with rides, food and entertainment. Fireworks sponsored by the Delaware River and Bay Authority cap off the celebration.

Not far away, Historic Cold Spring Village in Lower Township celebrates America's pastimes from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5. A host of patriotic family activities are planned at this living history museum; historic village buildings will be open, with demonstrations of early American trades and crafts.

Casual fans and fanatics alike will be amazed during a vintage baseball game at noon Saturday, when the Flemington Neshanock and the Elkton Eclipse play using authentic replica equipment and uniforms - and no gloves, just like in the old days.

The game will be played under official 1873 baseball rules used by the National Association of Professional Baseball Players. Before the game, team captains will host a discussion and question-and-answer period to familiarize spectators with vintage methods. The nine-inning game will be kicked off with a recitation of "Casey at the Bat" by Bradley Shaw. Village admission is required to attend the game.

On Sunday, patriotic programs will be held throughout the day at the Village Gazebo. "The Story of Old Glory" will reveal the history and tales of the American Flag. At 2 p.m., enjoy the John Walter Cape Community Band performing American heritage tunes.

Go to www.hcsv.org or call 609-898-2300 ext. 10. Admission is $8 adults, $7 seniors and $6 for children ages 3 to 12.

Meanwhile, the Wildwoods invite you to celebrate a highlight of the summer season with a free Fourth of July Freedom Festival and Craft Show at Rambler Road and Ocean Avenue in Wildwood Crest from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5. You'll find quality crafters of all kinds, great food, free live entertainment and children's activities.

On Saturday, you won't want to miss the Wildwoods Independence Day Parade, beginning at 9 a.m. at 15th and Atlantic avenues. The 5th annual Patriotic Pooch Parade joins the march at 8th and Atlantic. Dogs of all shapes and sizes parade along the streets of the Wildwoods dressed in patriotic garb alongside decorated bicycles. Prizes are awarded for the best bikes decorated in red, white and blue, along with prizes for the top three best-dressed pooches. Parade check-in is from 8 to 8:45 a.m. at 15th and Atlantic avenues. Call 609-522-2955 to register.

The Wildwoods Convention Center hosts its yearly Sports Card, Comic Book, Beanie and Toy Expos from Friday, July 3 to Sunday July 5. The expo features collectibles, memorabilia and guest star appearances. Expo hours are 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.

As if that's not enough, the Wildwoods Boardwalk hosts a Boardwalk Craft Show featuring all hand-made items from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on the Boardwalk at Rio Grande Avenue.

You'll hear live music all over the Wildwoods this weekend. Visitors can enjoy a free summer concert at Fox Park at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 4, featuring Changes in Latitude, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band. Bring your beach chair or blanket. From 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, enjoy the rocking sounds of Hideaway at Fern Road Fitness Park, 6700 Ocean Ave. at Fern Road, Wildwood Crest. Those rocking sounds are followed by summer party music by Mango Men from 8 to 9:30 p.m.

Of course, no Fourth is complete without spectacular fireworks. Wildwoods' originate from the beach at Pine Avenue in Wildwood about 10 p.m.

Local fireworks displays:

Atlantic City, 9 p.m. July 4, in the marina between Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and Harrah's Resort.

Avalon, July 4, 30th Street and the beach following Family Festival from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Rain date July 5.

Barnegat, July 4, Municipal Dock, East Bay Avenue, following 7 p.m concert.

Buena Vista, dusk July 5, Michael Debbi Park, Cedar Avenue in Richland. Rain date July 12.

Beach Haven, 9:15 p.m. July 4, Taylor Avenue and the bay. Rain date July 5.

Bridgeton, 9 p.m. July 4, Alden Field, 111 West Ave.

Cape May, 9:15 p.m. July 4, Congress Hall, Beach Avenue, 609-884-8421 or go to www.congresshall.com.

Lower Township, dusk July 2, 1200 Sandman Blvd, North Cape May.

Margate, 9 p.m. July 4, Huntington Avenue and Granville Street on the beach.

Middle Township, 9 p.m. July 4, Clarence Davies Sports Complex, 626 Goshen Rd., Cape May Court House.

Ocean City, 9 p.m. July 4, Carey Stadium, 5th street and Atlantic Avenue 609-525-9300.

Sea Isle City, 9 p.m. July 4, JFK Boulevard and the beach.

Stone Harbor, 9 p.m. July 4, 80th Street and the beach.

Tuckerton, 9 p.m. July 7 at the Seaport, 120 W. Main St.

Upper Township, dusk July 4, Amanda's Field, Route 50 and Sunset Avenue, Petersburg 609-628-2011.

Vineland, July 4, Vineland High School, 310 E Chesnut Ave., following 7 p.m. concert.

Wildwood, 10 p.m. July 4, Boardwalk at Pine Avenue, 609-523-1602.