Peabody is set for its annual Fourth of July events, which include the largest ground display of fireworks in the state and more than a million explosions, culminating in the traditional “Battle of New Orleans” finale.

Events actually started Saturday with the seventh annual Bob Phillips Memorial Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament. Events pick up again Thursday with the annual alumni dance at the Peabody American Legion. There is a $5 cover charge and attendees must be at least 21 years old. The dance is from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., and proceeds go to a scholarship for a Peabody-Burns High School student. There is also a carnival Thursday.

Friday’s events begin at 8 a.m. with a 5-kilometer fun run at Peabody City Park. Sign in is at the park gate. A flea market, horseshoe pitching tournament, and sand volleyball tournament also start at 8 a.m. Despite what was published elsewhere, there will be no car show this year.

The annual dog show will be at 11 a.m. Friday in Santa Fe Park, and kids’ games start at noon in Peabody City Park. Peabody Municipal Pool will offer free swimming starting at 1 p.m.

Evening events begin with a parade at 5 p.m., and music in Peabody City Park at 6 p.m. A carnival will run from 6 p.m. to midnight.

The main attraction — the fireworks spectacular — will begin at dusk in Peabody City Park.

Events don’t stop on the Fourth, though. The pool, which is not normally open Saturday afternoons, will be open Saturday. Regular admission fees will apply. The carnival will continue from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday at the park, and the Peabody American Legion Auxiliary will have a dance featuring Callahan Band from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the legion post.