BAMBERG -- The city of Bamberg is keen on keeping the Fourth of July a family-style event.

As a result, Bamberg's 2003 Citywide July 4th Celebration is sure to be a crowd pleaser once again. With the Original Tams on tap as the featured entertainment and a spectacular fireworks show planned, the family-oriented event is expected to draw a sizable crowd, with well over 1,000 spectators anticipated.

The Ness Sports Complex in Bamberg will be the site of the event to be held this Friday, July 4. The gates to the admission-free event will open at 6:30 p.m., with entertainment beginning at 6:45 p.m.

Several nonprofit organizations will be manning concession stands and selling refreshments.

The popular local band, the Night Owls, featuring David, Wayne and Lee Garrick of Norway, Chris Binnicker of Holly Hill and Kenny LaFrance of Orangeburg, will perform beginning at 6:45 p.m.

The Tams, still playing to sell-out crowds around the world, have recorded 10 albums and have been performing for 38 years. Their hits include, "What Kind of Fool Do You Think I Am," "Lied to Your Daddy," "Hey Girl, Don't Bother Me," "Laugh it Off," "I've Been Hurt" and "Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy."

"The Tams" name was given to the group by former member Willie James Rutherford, now deceased, who bought the first outfits for the group -- red sweaters and blue tams (tam o'shanters), and the hats became their trademark. The Tams travel with a five-piece band called "Old School" and play around 100 dates a year.

The Tams concert is free to the public and sponsored by the city of Bamberg and the Bamberg Board of Public Works.

The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

Jim Tobul of Bamberg will orchestrate a spectacular pyrotechnics display starting at 9:30 p.m. Phoenix Specialty of Bamberg and Tobul Accumulators have donated this year's fireworks.

Bamberg Police Chief George Morris said both police and fire department members will be helping park the 500 to 600 cars that are expected. He reminds drivers not to park on private property or block driveways.

Morris has been pleased with the crowd that attends the event each year.

"We've only had a few minor problems over the years thanks to the 'No Alcohol' rule," Morris said.

In the event of rain, the entertainment and concessions will be moved to the Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School gym, with the doors opening at 7 p.m. on July 4. If it rains, the fireworks display will be rescheduled for 9:30 p.m. on Saturday July 5.

For more information about the Bamberg Citywide July 4th Celebration, please contact Bamberg City Hall at 245-5128.

T&D Correspondent Minnie Miller can be reached by writing to her at 138 Nature's Trail, Bamberg, SC 29003.

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