FAITH — The town of Faith’s annual Fourth of July celebration will kick off its 71st year with a street dance at 7 tonight with music by The Tonez.

The rest of the festivities begin Thursday and run through July 4. The schedule is full of dances, entertainment, food, rides and competitions, ending with a grand finale of fireworks.

All activities take place on Faith American Legion Park and Faith Elementary School grounds.

The Faith Fourth, as it’s known today, started after World War II when returning service members and their families and neighbors were eager to celebrate the nation they loved. Ever since, the town has decked itself out in red, white and blue for a patriotic, weeklong celebration.

Organizing the feastival each year are volunteers from Faith American Legion Post 327 and Legion Auxiliary 327, the Faith Civitan Club and Faith Jaycees. They use proceeds to benefit worthy causes in the community.

One highlight is the “Faith Idol” competition, which takes place over three days and ends on July 4. The contest has a $10 entry fee and three divisions:

• Youth, for ages 12 and younger.

• Junior, ages 13-18.

• Adult, ages 19 and older.

Rides and attractions also are a big part of the celebration.

Next Thursday is $2 Night, when rides are $2 per person.

Armbands are available for $22 for Wednesday-Friday and $25 for Friday-Monday.

June 30 will be F&M Bank Customer Appreciation Night. F&M customers can use a coupon picked up at local branches for a discount on armbands.

July 2 is Food Lion Customer Appreciation Night, which offers $5 off a $25 armband with the donation of two canned items to go to a local food pantry. Go to www.faith4th.com/admission/ for more information about discounts.

Here is a schedule of events:

Today:

• 7 p.m.: Street dance featuring music by The Tonez.

Thursday, June 29

• 6 p.m.: Food booths and rides open.

• 7 p.m.: Music by The Tams.

Friday, June 30

• 6 p.m.: Food booths and rides open.

• 7 p.m.: Music by Too Much Sylvia

• 8 p.m.: “Faith Idol” competition for youth and junior divisions.

Saturday, July 1

• 1 p.m.: Rides open.

• 4 p.m.: Duck race, Faith Park.

• 6 p.m.: Food booths open.

• 7 p.m.: Music by Extraordinaires.

• 8 p.m.: “Faith Idol” competition for adults.

Sunday, July 2

• 3:30 p.m.: Music by Rowan Big Band, Faith Baptist Church.

• 5 p.m.: Patriotic program; food booths and rides open.

• 7 p.m.: Music by The Entertainers.

Monday, July 3

• 6 p.m.: Food booths and rides open

• 7 p.m.: Music by Jim Quick and Coastline.

Tuesday, July 4

• 10 a.m.: Faith 4th Parade; rides opening.

• After parade: Flag raising and national anthem by Neil Wilkerson; crowning of Miss Rowan County Veteran.

• 7 p.m.: “Faith Idol” finals; races, games, watermelon eating contest, egg toss.

• 8 p.m.: Music by Randy Clay Band.

• 9:30 p.m.: Hot dog eating contest, Faith School ballpark.

• 10:30 p.m.: Fireworks, Faith School ballpark.

Go to www.faith4th.com for more information.