With Independence Day right around the corner, the city of LaGrange is gearing up for the holiday with multiple events this weekend. 

Pedal Forward will celebrate its one-year anniversary with a Mill Village 5K in Hogansville on Saturday beginning at 6 p.m. 

“This will be a whole event,” said Emilee Abraham, co-founder and program director at Pedal Forward. “All the proceeds raised will go back to Pedal Forward. We are trying to raise money to continue this program.” 

Pedal Forward is a community bike shop located in Hogansville that desires to be a safe, positive space for kids in the community, according to Abraham. 

A silent auction will be taking place from 6 to 8 p.m. with winners being announced shortly after, the 5K race will begin promptly at 7 p.m. starting at The Depot and a live jazz band will follow until 10 p.m. 

“We just got a space on Main Street, and this event will make a lot of things possible,” Abraham said. “It has been really cool this past year to build relationships with these kids and families that we meet and serve.” 

As of Thursday, the event had 30 registered runners but needs 40 to reach its goal. It is $35 to register, and day-of registration will be available. Visit pedalforwardhgvl.org for more information. 

Prior to the Saturday race, Sweetland will kick off the weekend with Downtown LaGrange’s annual patriotic celebration on Friday at Sweetland Amphitheatre. Gates open at 6 p.m. Rosie the Riveter, portrayed by Carol Cain, will be at the Boyd Pavilion from 7 to 7:45 p.m. for meet and greets for the little ones in attendance. The Community Band will hit the stage at 8 p.m. to play some patriotic tunes. Following sunset, “Mary Poppins Returns” will be shown on the outdoor screen on the stage. 

Pure Life Studios will host a performance by Malcomb Holcombe Saturday night. Holcombe is currently on tour, scheduled to travel all over the country and into Canada as well. His music is described as a mixture of bluesy and Americana. Tickets are available to purchase for $22.50. For more information, visit Purelifelagrange.com or call (706) 443-4838.