COAL GROVE —Independence Day is still a day away, but the celebration has already been going strong at Paul Porter Park.

Able to dodge any type of accumulating rain, the annual Coal Grove Family Fun Days continues tonight with entertainment, food, rides and fireworks.

Sponsored by the Coal Grove Betterment Club, the festival on the hill is now in its 33rd year. The event concludes tonight with fireworks at 10 p.m. Admission is free.

Coal Grove Mayor Larry McDaniel said the event works because of its appeal that is stronger than ever.

“It’s been going well,” McDaniel said. “It is kind of a big family reunion for the community.”

Today also marks the debut of an appraisal seminar with popular area-appraiser Porky Nichols. Festival-goers can bring a maximum of five items for Nichols to appraise. Each item requires a $1 donation. Firearms are not permitted at the event.

Nichols will appraise items from 4-8 p.m.

Friday also continues two of the most popular annual events on the Fun Days schedule: The Chinese auction and the traditional cake and pie auction.

With nearly 140 gift baskets available, the Chinese auction offers the opportunity to win a variety of valuables for a token donation of $1 per pull.

Some of the prizes still available include baskets of household items, beach baskets, fireworks, picnic gear, garden baskets, automotive baskets and even a basket with a pair of Ohio State football tickets.

Participating in the 2009 edition of Family Fun Days include booths by Sharon Baptist Church, Memorial United Methodist Church, Zoar Baptist Church, Ohio University Southern and the Veteran’s Memorial Hall Committee.

A dunk tank is being operated by Dawson-Bryant cheerleaders and kids have the opportunity to buy “ride” tickets on four giant inflatables.

Family Fun Days entertainment schedule for July 3:

4–4:30 p.m. – Emily Vance

4:30 – 5 p.m. – Hanna Ferguson

5–6 p.m. – Jean Bowman

6–7 p.m. – Cake and pie auction

7–9 p.m. – The Fugitives

9–10 p.m. – Craig Haney

10 p.m. – Fireworks