COLUMBIA -- This Saturday, July 4, ETV will celebrate America's 233rd birthday with a line-up of patriotic programs, including:

7 p.m. -- "Carolina Celebration of Liberty 2009"

For more than 20 years, First Baptist Church of Columbia has staged -- and ETV has broadcast -- this red, white and blue event, saluting the land of the free and the home of the brave with an evening of patriotism and inspiration. The program also gives thanks to those who have served and are serving our country, recognizing a list of honorees who have fought in every armed conflict dating back to World War II, including Medal of Honor recipient Col. Charles P. Murray. The 282nd Army Band from Fort Jackson joins the First Baptist Church choir and orchestra in providing the sound track for the mix of drama, dance and indoor fireworks that unfold in the hour-long program.

8 p.m. -- "A Capitol Fourth 2009"

Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Jimmy Smits will return to host the biggest and brightest birthday party in the country. For the first time ever, Barry Manilow joins the cast, opening and closing the concert with a medley of classics along with the National Symphony Orchestra and the Choral Arts Society of Washington. Joining him is an all-star line-up, including:

The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin

International pop sensation Natasha Bedingfield

The Tony and Grammy Award-winning cast of "Jersey Boys"

As a special treat for the entire family, Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch and more of the Sesame Street gang will be on hand to celebrate America's birthday. The Muppets will perform many patriotic and iconic songs that everyone knows and loves.

9:30 p.m. -- "3, 2, 1 Fireworks"

After witnessing the incredible fireworks display in Washington, D.C., now's your chance to go behind the barricades and learn about what it takes to put such an event together. This program, filmed in high-definition, begins with visits to factories in China to see how the fireworks are first made. Cameras then follow the fireworks on their journey to the nation's capitol for the arduous and dangerous task of setting, filling and wiring the 2,500 mortar tubes that will create one of the most dazzling and impressive fireworks displays in the United States.

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