Gregory Slayton will celebrate July 4 in Bermuda for the last time this year — and the US Consul General is hoping to go out with a bang.

He will join 3,000 others celebrating American Independence Day this evening (Saturday) from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Horseshoe Bay, with fireworks, music and games.

Mr. Slayton told The Royal Gazette it was the last time he would chair the organising committee for the event, since his time on the Island is soon to end.

He brought his family here in September 2005 after being appointed head of the United States' mission in Bermuda by George Bush and they have stayed on under the new Obama administration.

"We don't have a definitive date [to leave]," he said. "We are deeply honoured that the Obama administration asked us to continue our service so far into the term. We just want to do the best job we can representing the US."

Mr. Slayton said this year's July 4 party — which has changed venue from Moresby Plain — was an historic one, since the Island is also celebrating its 400th anniversary.

"The US and Bermuda have been so close for almost all of that time," he said. "We are delighted to be able to honour this anniversary."

Everyone attending the party must have a wristband, except under fives, and those wearing one can use public buses to get to and from the event for free. The wristband also entitles wearers to free entertainment, dinner, Portuguese doughnuts, sodas and water.

There will be extra buses departing from Hamilton at 5 p.m. and 5.30 p.m and from Horseshoe to return to Hamilton at 10 p.m., 10.30 p.m. and 11 p.m. Buses will depart Horseshoe for Dockyard and St. George's at 10 p.m. and 10.30 p.m.

DJ Andrew Holmes and local band, the Kennel Boys, will provide the music this evening.

• Tonight's party is almost sold out but some tickets are still available at www.bdatix.bm.