Three groups are planning all-American activities during the upcoming Fourth fun.

Citizens who like to watch sports on holidays can head to Liberty Park for the Prell-Bland American Legion Post 271 Fourth of July baseball tournament. Four teams will compete beginning with a 10 a.m. Friday, July 3, Batesville vs. Columbus game, according to member Fran Effinger.

Kokomo plays Madison at 1 p.m., then the two winners face each other at 4 p.m. and the two losers at 7 p.m.

Hillcrest Country Club will offer a fireworks display to members Friday at dusk. The community may watch from public areas, reports employee Barbara Whalbring.

On Saturday, July 4, Batesville Christian Church members will host the third annual 4 on the 4th, a four-mile road race to raise money for the Batesville Area Ministerial Association Food Pantry. The 8:30 a.m. event, which begins and ends at the church at 1294 Columbus Ave., is open to all ages and skill levels.

The Rev. Steve Yeaton points out hungry people need food year-round, not just around Thanksgiving and Christmas when residents are in charitable moods. “With the recent downturn in the economy, the requests for food from the pantry have increased dramatically.”

Despite rain, 100 participated last year, raising almost $1,000.

There will be awards for the top male and female walkers, and the top two runners in 12 age divisions. A free fun run for children under 10 takes place after the four-miler.

The entry fee is $15. Registrations forms are available at the church’s Web site at www.batesvillechristianchurch.org. This year the first 100 entrants receive not only T-shirts, but running performance shirts and goody bags.

Persons registering that day should arrive between 7:15 and 8:15 a.m.

Besides paying the race fee, participants can help the pantry by contributing cans of food. For each one up to four, participants will receive a door prize ticket.

The American Legion double elimination tourney continues Saturday at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and, if needed, 5 p.m. The winner will receive a plaque.

Spectators can enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, popcorn and cool drinks at the diamond both days.

An Independence Day parade organized by veterans in that group precedes the traditional Legion Day at Liberty Park, reports Commander Jerre Hampson. “This is the good old-fashioned” procession that includes antique tractors, horses, candy throwing and balloons. “Anyone is more than welcome to come out” and jump into the lineup at the Batesville Memorial Pool by 11:45 a.m.

The parade begins at noon. The route: east on West Pearl Street, south on Main Street, east on Catherine Street and south on Park Avenue to the park pavilion, where Legion Day activities will begin.