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From a one-man-boogie band to a petting zoo, the 19th annual Elkin Jaycees Fourth of July Celebration will have a wide variety of entertainment on the Fourth of July.

“It’s a really fun way to bring the community together,” said Jaycees President Brandi Walker Hall. “Every one of all ages can enjoy it, be safe and be involved.”

This year eight food vendors will be selling anything from hot dogs from 21 and Main to Cuban cuisine from Maria Torriente.

“We were looking for food vendors that each served something different,” said Jaycees vendor co-chair Holly Lamm. “We wanted to offer a variety of foods that everyone could enjoy.”

This year is also the first time in several years that the event has offered craft vendors, Lamm said. These include Darlene Billings of Country Roads Emporium in Jonesville, Courtney Trivette of Scentsy Candles and Larry Chappell with Tupperware and Photo Print supplies.

The Jaycees kept it local with entertainment, booking The Graybyrds and Owen Poteat, the one-man-boogie-band.

“My goal for this year’s event was to get local bands who have a local following so we could keep the festival more of a local feel,” said Anthony Sebastian, Jaycee entertainment chair.

Each band will play two 40-minute sets and then will play their last set together.

Along with the musical performances, families can also find entertainment with bounce houses, speed pitch, petting zoo, face painting and, of course, fireworks.

The first Elkin Jaycees Fourth of July was held in 1993, spearheaded by Jaycees Jimmy Smith and Jim Arno. Former Mayor Tom Gwyn helped get the town involved, and the Town of Elkin donated $2,500 for the first event, Hall said.

The young professionals group started planning this year’s event in March and is currently finalizing last-minute details.

Money raised during the event will go towards the Jaycees operational funds as well as their charities such as the Boys and Girls Club and the Jaycees Burn Center in Chapel Hill.

The 19th annual Elkin Jaycees Fourth of July will be at 5 p.m. until dark on Wednesday, July 4, at the Elkin Municipal Park. The rain date will be July 5, which would only include fireworks.

Owen Poteat-The One Man Boogie Band will play two sets beginning at 5:50 p.m. and 6:35 p.m. Next, will be the Graybyrds with two sets at 6:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The two bands team up at 8:15 p.m. to finish the night together before our fabulous fireworks display at dark.

Members of the Elkin Jaycees said they would like to thank all of their sponsors, especially Founding Fathers Sponsors who provided the 2012 Entertainment: AllStar, Town of Elkin, G&B Energy, Secure South. Founding Fathers donate more than $500.

They would also like to thank the Patriot Sponsors: Hugh Chatham, Surry Telephone, Stanley Heating and Air, Elk Pharmacy. Patriot Sponsors donate $500.

“A lot of small towns aren’t able to afford a fireworks display or event like this so it’s cool we have that in our area,” Hall said. “The Jaycees would like to sincerely thank the town and sponsors for all of their support.”

Sponsors:

AllStar Rentals

Town of Elkin

Secure South: Professional Security and Fire

G&B Energy

Elk Pharmacy

Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital

Stanley Heating and Air Condition, Inc.

Surry Telephone Membership Corporation

ACM Agency, Inc.

Basin Creek Realty

Envirotech

James A. Harrell, Jr., DDS

PVH Corp

Slightly Askew Winery

Speedy Chef

WIFM Radio

Bridge Street Pharmacy

Castrol Premium Lube Express

Collins Heating and Air

CMS Insurance and Financial

Diana’s Bookstore

Frog Hollar Cabins

Gary York, WIFM Radio

Grassy Creek Vineyard and Winery

Greg Sidden at Farm Bureau

Jonesville Family Medical Center

Light and Sound Productions

Northwestern Mutual

Nu-Line

Parkwood Eye Center

Pizza Hut

Rhythm on Main

Thomas C. Flippin, Attorney

Reach Jessica Pickens at 835-1513 ext. 18 or jpickens@heartlandpublications.com