Other cities planning big holiday bashes

In addition to Freedom Blast at Rice-Eccles Stadium, other major July 4th celebrations include:

STADIUM OF FIRE, Saturday, 7:30 p.m., LaVell Edwards Stadium, Brigham Young University, Provo. The stalwart of Utah Valley's Fourth of July celebrations is in its 25th year.

Featured artists include Mandy Moore, Lonestar, Kurt Bestor & the Stadium of Fire Orchestra, the Osmonds Second Generation's tribute to Alan Osmond, actor Lou Diamond Phillips, and actresses Debbie Reynolds and Lucy Lawless.

Also on tap will be a 4,000-voice Hope of America Children's Chorus, 1,000 Stadium of Fire Dancers and the 250-member American Fork High School Marching Band.

Tickets are available for $20-$200 at www.byutickets.com or 800-322-2981 or 422-2981.

LAYTON'S 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION, Monday, beginning at 1 p.m., Layton Common's Bark. Layton's annual bash is free. This year's artists include Heidi Rhoads & Her Jazz Dancers, country artist J.D. Faller & Band, singer Sheila Barkley, the Layton Precision Ensemble and Heather & the Holy Rollers.

HOT ROCK'N 4TH, Monday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Lorin Farr Park, Ogden. Headlining the Ogden bash is country singer Chris Cagle.

Other events and attractions include monster truck rides, a petting zoo, a treehouse exhibit, the Ogden High School Mariachi Band, Singer Mallisa Jones, singer/songwriter Bonnie Woods, a monster truck show, a demolition derby, games and food and, of course, fireworks after the concert.

Tickets available for $12-$20 at www.smithstix.com or 467-8499, 800-888-8499 or 458-6940.