Well, it's not exactly a Fourth of July celebration, but the Double-A Bowie Baysox will hold a fireworks display following their game against the Akron Aeros on Friday, July 3, at Prince George's Stadium.

The fireworks show is scheduled to be almost twice as long as the regular display at the stadium, according to the Baysox.

"We think our fans will be really impressed by the fireworks display," Baysox general manager Brian Shallcross said in a statement. "We are excited to provide a family-friendly venue for our community to kick off the holiday weekend."

A special cookout also will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at the ballpark. Fans can celebrate the holiday with hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelons and soft drinks in the Picnic Pavilion.

Tickets for the event are $19 each for season-ticket holders and children from age 6 to 12, while others will be able to reserve a spot for $23 each. The package includes a place at the cookout, as well as a general admission ticket for the game. For $4 more per ticket, fans can upgrade to the lower reserved section.

The game is scheduled to begin at 6:05 p.m., and the gates to the stadium will open at 5 p.m. To purchase tickets, contact Jed Vess at 301-464-4890 by 3 p.m. Wednesday.

In honor of the holiday, there will also be a contest to see who can be the fastest to eat an apple pie without using hands or utensils. There will be 10 fans in the event, and the winner will receive four tickets to Hersheypark and assorted Baysox apparel. The contest will begin at 5:30 p.m.

For more information on the festivities, check out Bowie's Web site.