Poway’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July event will celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday in a small-town setting at Old Poway Park.

The festivities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. will be followed by fireworks at the Sportsplex and Poway High School at 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.

The park’s late 1800s to early 1900s theme will be a perfect backdrop for the old-fashioned, patriotic shindig, said Poway Recreation Area Manager Sarah Becker.

“It will be an old Americana-style celebration that feels like you’re stepping back in time to old town America,” Becker said.

Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Festivities are set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Old Poway Park followed by fireworks at the Sportsplex and Poway High School at 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.(Julie Gallant)

Julie Gallant

Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Festivities are set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Old Poway Park followed by fireworks at the Sportsplex and Poway High School at 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.(Julie Gallant)

The opening ceremony, which starts at 10 a.m., will pay tribute to the nation’s 250th birthday this year, Becker said. A George Washington character will arrive on the park’s train and walk to the gazebo where he will give a speech, she said. That will be followed by a performance of the national anthem by the Pomerado Community Band and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Then Poway Mayor Steve Vaus will announce the winners of the city’s Red, White and Wow! patriotic decorating contest. Awards will be given for the best business displays, outdoor displays and window displays. Separate prizes will be given for winners judged by retired or active military, and for winners chosen by online voters, Becker said.

“After the mayor announces the winners, we’ll have a birthday cake and sing ‘Happy Birthday,’” she said.

Throughout the day living history characters will be stationed around Old Poway Park. Characters will include Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross, Susan B. Anthony and Uncle Sam. Between performances in the gazebo, different presidential characters will take the stage to talk about the history of their time.

At 11 a.m., the Veterans Park at 14134 Midland Road will host a separate Fourth of July ceremony presented by the Veterans Park Committee and the Poway Veterans of Foreign Wars. Names of veterans printed on tiles will be read and a ceremony will honor those who have served in the military, Becker said.

At 11 a.m. on July 4, the Veterans Park at 14134 Midland Road will host a separate Fourth of July ceremony presented by the Veterans Park Committee and the Poway Veterans of Foreign Wars. (Courtesy city of Poway)

Courtesy city of Poway

At 11 a.m. on July 4, the Veterans Park at 14134 Midland Road will host a separate Fourth of July ceremony presented by the Veterans Park Committee and the Poway Veterans of Foreign Wars. (Courtesy city of Poway)

Most of the activities presented by the city of Poway and Old Poway Park Action Committee are free. Some of these include kids’ passports to the living history stations, a Lions Club picnic in the grassy area of the park, and 4-H Club animal pen where items will be sold to raise money for the club. Additionally, there will be crafts activities for children, pony rides by Snows Ponies, and games.

Since the event is on a Saturday, it will run at the same time as the weekly farmer’s market, Becker said. The section on Midland Road south of Temple Street will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the section on Midland Road in front of the park will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Poway Heritage Museum, pottery shop and train are all expected to be open during the event.

“We’ve had this event on a Saturday before and it worked well,” Becker said. “The market did great with sales that day.”

Volunteers are needed to dress as historical characters, help with crafts or assist with miscellaneous activities during the event. To sign up or for more information, call 858-668-4576 or visit the website Poway.org/oldpowaypark.