What if the American Revolution had been fought with water balloons (red, white and blue ones, of course)?

Shelby County residents will find out Monday at The American Village.

A Revolutionary War balloon battle is one of the events planned for the Village’s annual Independence Day celebration. Other activities include whistling contests, watermelon seed spitting contests, sack races, bucket brigades, puppet shows, music, barbecue and more.

Some of the other activities participants can experience are:

enlisting in George Washington’s Army of the Potomac throughout the day.

Learning about espionage during the Revolutionary War with Washington’s spies.

Visiting with Mercy Otis Warren and Abigail Adams.

Signing the Declaration of Independence and hearing the views of Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton.

Greeting George Washington and learning about the famous Houdon Statue.

Dancing with Eleanor Parke Custis and Elizabeth Bordley.

Hearing the fiery speech of Patrick Henry: &uot;Give me liberty or give me death.&uot;

Listening to a young girl’s account of Revolutionary Boston in &uot;The Liberty Tree.&uot;

Strolling through Liberty Bell Garden or the Southern Living Garden throughout the day.

Observing the Alabama Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial.

Exploring the world with Washington’s surveyor.

The young at heart will enjoy taking a picture in the stocks and learning about colonial crime and punishment in colonial times.

They will also be able to experience the Continental Army’s Firing of the Cannon and enjoy strolling through the Pettus Randall Miniature Museum of American history as well as joining the kids’ army at the encampment.

Gates at The Village will open at noon with fireworks following at sundown following a welcome home parade for Vietnam veterans, a musical salute to all veterans and a patriotic musical show. Admission is $5 with veterans and military admitted at no charge.

&045;&045; Candace Parke