One of the biggest holiday celebrations in the South Hills is going on in Dormont, where residents are marking the borough's centennial, along with our nation's 233rd birthday. Activities run through Tuesday.

The official centennial celebration is Saturday, and the borough has a full day's worth of activities planned. All of the events will be held in the Dormont Pool lot, and a shuttle bus service from the elementary school and stadium parking lots will transport attendees to the events.

The day will start early with a 21-gun salute at 9 a.m. At 9:30, the Dormont athletic boosters will sponsor foot races.

Children's game booths open at 10 a.m. with arts and crafts and face painting. At the same time, those attending the festivities will be able to pick up grab bags that include a bagful of goodies, a drink and a chance to win a free bicycle. Tickets for the bags cost $3 each and can be picked up at the Dormont Borough Office, police station or library.

At 10:30 a.m., a championship wrestling federation exhibition will be held by Castle Playground. At 11 a.m., more children's activities will open on the tennis and basketball courts with train rides, a petting zoo and inflatable jumps.

At the same time, bingo will start at the Dormont Recreation Center and last until 3 p.m. All games will benefit the Dormont Public Library.

A Dixieland jazz band will start playing live music at 11:30 a.m. in the pool lot. A country rock band will play at 1 p.m., and a Ska band will take over at 4. The live music will conclude with a Brynn Marie Band concert in the park sponsored by the borough.

At noon, the Dormont Veterans of Foreign Wars will rededicate a war memorial that has been on Memorial Drive near the pool since 1933. The VFW moved the monument to a more prominent location next its building on West Liberty Avenue, cleaned the monument and constructed a new wall and plaza with benches, flagpoles and service plaques.

"Since 1933, it has been dedicated to the boys who fought in WWII," said Jim Harrod, VFW member. "They did not expect a second one."

Mayor Thomas Lloyd will lead the ceremony, and a new plaque will be installed that reads, "Dormont Centennial July 4, 2009 -- rededicated to veterans of all wars.''

At 8 p.m., the Beaver Valley Skydivers will drop in, and the Eagles Twirling Group will perform at the pool lot. The day will conclude with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. The rain date for fireworks is Sunday.

Other events include:

Tonight: River City Brass Band performs at 7 p.m. in Keystone Oaks High School Auditorium. Tickets are $5.

Tomorrow: Car cruise with music at 6 p.m. on Potomac Avenue, from Belrose to West Liberty avenues.

Saturday: Dormont Day with live music, children's activities, games, and fireworks. 9 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. in the Dormont Pool parking lot and Dormont Park. Free for all ages. Parking available at Dormont Elementary School and Dormont Stadium. Shuttle buses will be provided from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. from the two parking lots to the pool area.

Through Tuesday: Buy Local Week at businesses along Potomac and West Liberty Avenues.

-- Compiled by Laura Keeley