Foot races, dancing, parades, barbecues, flea markets, and a tug-of-war grudge match are the ways West Marin residents like to celebrate Independence Day.

This year's festivities will be no different as Woodacre, Inverness, Bolinas, and Stinson Beach continue their age-old traditions on Friday and Saturday, July 4 and 5.

Here's a schedule of next week's revelry.

Woodacre's Independence Day parade will march down Railroad Avenue beginning at noon. The Woodacre Improvement Club from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. will hold a flea market. The San Geronimo Valley Lions Club at 1:30 p.m. will sponsor a barbecue and Sky Blue Band, all at the Improvement Club

Inverness residents on July 4 will compete in a variety of foot races for everybody from toddlers to adults. The contests begin at 10 a.m. on Inverness Way at the Firehouse Green.

Longtime Bolinas resident Annie Crotts at noon will kick off the town's Fourth of July parade by singing the National Anthem. A barbecue will follow. Earlier the same day, at 10 a.m., Stinson Beach will try to avenge losses last year to Bolinas in both the men's and women's tugs-of-war, which take place every year across the mouth of Bolinas Lagoon.

Residents of Stinson Beach will have their own celebration on Saturday, July 5, at the Village Green from 1 to 5 p.m. The affair will feature a barbecue, booths and games, music, and a silent auction.

spotting scopes and overlooks provide fine opportunities for viewing. The preserve is open weekends until July 13.