BARDSTOWN, Ky. — The Stephen Foster Drama Association is once again honoring the nation's birth and its namesake's birthday. 

The group's annual FiveStar Fireworks celebration will return July 4, coinciding with a performance of "The Stephen Foster Story." Foster was born July 4, 1826, 50 years after the Declaration of Independence was ratified, and is often considered the "father of American music."

A variety of family-friendly activities such as bounce houses, hula hoop and water balloon games and a cast meet and greet will take place outside the J. Dan Talbott Amphitheatre at My Old Kentucky Home State Park before an 8 p.m. performance of "The Stephen Foster Story," the association said. Audience members will be treated to cupcakes during the intermission, and a fireworks show set to a custom music track will follow the performance.

"It's an honor to share Stephen Foster's legacy with our community on such a significant day in American history," said Johnny Warren, executive artistic director for "The Stephen Foster Story" and the Stephen Foster Drama Association. "We are thrilled to welcome audiences from near and far to join us in this celebration."

Tickets are available at stephenfoster.com/tickets or by calling 502-348-5971 or 800-626-1563. The association said it encourages attendees to purchase tickets early.

Visit www.stephenfoster.com for more on "The Stephen Foster Story" and other events hosted by the association.