Denison’s annual family-friendly summer event, Red, White & Boom! is all set for Wednesday, July 3.

The celebration is organized by the Chamber & Development Council of Crawford County (CDC). All events will be at Yellow Smoke Park east of Denison.

Many of the favorite events are returning to the celebration, but a couple new twists are in store for people.

One of those twists is a live music performance by ZV Musical from 7 to 9 p.m.

ZV Musical has local roots. It was formed by Jose Manuel Zamago Vera, who is a 2013 graduate of Charter Oak-Ute High School. Zamago Vera had also lived in Manning and is currently in Norwalk.

“We play Mexican old-style music” he said. “Regional music from Mexico, music that people want to dance to. We’re trying to bring the old-style music with our own touch.”

To get a preview of ZV Musical, the group will be performing at the Immigrant Heritage Festival at 6 p.m. this Saturday in Washington Park.

Another new addition that is free, is that Pauley Jones Funeral Home will provide popsicles at the beach from 3 p.m. until supplies run out.

The Bill Riley festival, which annually took place on July 3 but is not a part of the CDC’s event, will not take place this year.

The Red, White & Boom! activities will begin at Yellow Smoke Park at 3 p.m. with the start of the scavenger hunt at the beach. That will last until 6:30 p.m.

The sidewalk art contest will also start at 3 p.m. and will run until 7 p.m. at the beach. People can compete in two age categories, 12 and under and 13 and up. Adults are welcome.

Canoe and kayak rentals will run from 4-6 p.m. at the boat ramp on the lake.

The sandcastle contest will return. Registration is at 5 p.m. and the contest starts at 5:15 p.m.

Prizes of CDC gift cards will be awarded in the various categories of these contest.

People should remember to get started on the cardboard boats now for the popular and entertaining cardboard boat race.

“We do have some cardboard at the CDC office that people can have, until supplies last,” said Crawford County Tourism Director Drew Perrien.

Registration for the boat race is at 6:30 p.m. and the races start at 7 p.m. Prizes are awarded for the fastest boat, best theme, most spectacular sinking and last boat to float.

The Sand Volleyball Tournament attracted 10 teams last year, and Perrien expects the interest to be high again this year. The entry fee is $10 for the six-person teams. Ages of players must be12 years old and up. The top prize is $60 in CDC gift cards. Registration is at 6:30 and the games begin at 7.

Across the lake at the nature center, the kids’ carnival will run from 7 to 9 p.m. The carnival features a variety of games for children. The tickets they earn can be turned in for prizes.

The finale for Red, White & Boom! is always the fireworks show, funded by the City of Denison. That will start at dark, which will be at approximately 10 p.m.

Red, White & Boom! is a low-cost way for families to enjoy the holiday. Events are free, except for the kayak and canoe rentals and the sand volleyball tournament.

Vendors will be selling food, and the CDC will have glow merchandise and drinks available for purchase at the beach.

“Most of our events are tailored for kids but the sidewalk art contest is for kids and adults. Again, the sand volleyball is 12 and up, and a family could enter a team,” said Perrien.

Follow us on Facebook for the latest news and updates