Everyone knows how important Independence Day is to our country, but what about those who move here from another country, where they celebrate their own day of freedom?

That is the case with the Korean families who moved to Crenshaw County in conjunction with the automotive suppliers.

In Korea, Aug. 15th is the day both North Korea and South Korea observe their independence.

It was on this date in 1945 that Korea was liberated from Japan after 36 years of colonial rule.

With that in mind, the Crenshaw County Economic Industrial Development Authority and residents of Crenshaw County will hold the county's first annual Korean Liberation Day celebration.

The day will include fun, food and entertainment.

According to Lorrie Freeman who helped organize the event said the day is significant to the county's newest residents, so it is important to reflect that.

"This is actually their Independence Day, so it is like our 4th of July," she said.

According to the CCEIDA's assistant director, Robyn Snellgrove, the event is for the two cultures to learn more about each other and to interact.

"We are trying to get the Koreans to come out and of course the people of Crenshaw County attend as well," she said.

"We planned this so that the two cultures could blend and that we could be introduced to our new industry," she said.

"We believe there will be some Korean families visiting us from Montgomery.

They've been notified of the celebration."

Snellgrove said people who wish to bring their tents are encouraged to do so and also to bring their lawn chairs.

Carol Floyd has been busy lining up entertainment for the event, and believes the confirmed acts will make visitors happy.

Offering some country music for all to enjoy will be The Silver Creek Band.

Brent Watson will also provide some contemporary Christian music.

"I'm expecting others, but don't want to announce them yet," she said.

"There will probably be some Korean entertainment. That is one that I'm waiting on."

Snellgrove said to make parking easier, visitors can park at Turner Park.

"We'll have some church vans to shuttle people back and forth to the lake," she said.

"If you do park on the side of the road leading into the lake, you might have a mile to walk."

Once inside there will be food available for purchase for a small fee.

Snellgrove said hamburgers, hot dogs, kabobs, chicken wings and of course, Korean food, will be available.

There will also be cotton candy; snow cones and the Pepsi Company will have free soft drinks on the Pepsi wagon.

Children will have fun getting their faces painted and also the moonwalk. The event takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 15. For more information, call Snellgrove or Freeman at 335-4468.