Fireworks, such as those picture here from the Goshen Assembly of God fireworks stand on Coburg road in Eugene, display warnings cautioning against improper use. Erik R. Bishoff Online & Photo Editor [Click to enlarge]

Don't have anything to do this Independence Day? Pondering where to go to get the most out of the weekend? Eugene offers something for everyone this year, from fireworks to theater performances.

Celebrating its 21st year at Alton Baker Park is the Art and the Vineyard Festival, held Friday through Sunday. This festival, an annual fundraiser for the Maude Kern's Art Center, features a small art auction, wine tasting and food. It attracts more than 25,000 visitor annually; proceeds help fund the art center's year-round exhibitions and art classes.

The art show, which will feature 15 wineries this year, will include paintings, prints, photographs, sculptures, ceramics, wall hangings and jewelry from more than 100 artists. The "Art for Your Garden" show will include garden furniture and accessories by more than 30 different artists. The included flowers and plants will add a sweet coating to the entire production.

The Youth Art Arena will feature activities such as music, theater and art displays all three days of the festival, including performances by Tracey Nelson, Angela Strehli, and musician Tony Furtado.

The weekend ends with a huge firework display July 4 presented by the Art Center and the Active 20-30 Club, a social service organization supporting child welfare to celebrate the day. Hours for the Art and Vineyard Festival are 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11:30 a.m. until the end of the fireworks display Sunday. Admission is $5 per day or $10 for all three days of the event.

Music lovers might find the Oregon Bach Festival a holiday activity especially suited to their tastes. New York Times critic Harold Schonberg rated the festival as "the best of its kind in the country, and an influx of renowned visiting operas and symphonic virtuosi guarantees that this will remain the case." The more than two dozen concerts span music history from the Baroque Era to the 20th century. All concerts begin at 5 p.m. For more information, call (800) 457-1486.

The Oregon Horse Center offers a rodeo, including events from bullrides to motorcycle jumps. Last year, some 6,500 people attended the event, and tickets were sold out by the day of the show. Tickets are $16 dollars for reserved seating and $12.50 for general admission.

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Ben Gallenson is a freelance reporter for the Emerald.

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