Fort Stewart, where 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers train hard to get and stay ready to defend the United States of America, will be the site for a celebration of the birth of the nation, July 2-5.

Soldiers and their Families will celebrate with song, picnics, a 50-gun salute, hot air balloon rides, fun, games, food and a number of other activities.

The events, including the traditional fireworks, will make up the 3rd ID and Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield "Worth Fighting For!" Independence Day Weekend Celebration.

Country music star Trace Adkins and R&B singer Ashanti will perform in the Independence Day Weekend Celebration concert, July 3.

But the 3rd ID, Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield will celebrate the nation’s birthday with much more than music.

Scheduled on July 2 are a golf tournament at Taylors Creek Golf Course, a carnival at Walker Field and a 50-gun Salute to the nation at Cottrell Field, beginning at 6 p.m.

On July 3, the operative word will be "free" for Corkan Family Recreation Area activities such as swimming, skating, laser tag and miniature golf. There will be picnic sites, kids’ interactive games, a carnival, a petting zoo and hot air balloon rides, among other activities, at the Walker Field Picnic Area. Adkins and Ashanti will perform that night at Donovan Field East. After the concert, fireworks will light up the sky.

The carnival at Walker Field continues through July 5. It is free all days except July 2 and July 5, when it is pay as you go.

Adkins has evolved into a bona fide country music superstar with No.1 singles like 2006's "Ladies Love Country Boys" and 2007's "You're Gonna Miss This."