As summer approaches, the southern Lewis County town of Vader is already gearing up for a major Fourth of July celebration that event planners have named “Red, White and Boom.”
The new event will run all day on the Fourth of July starting with the Hell on Wheels Car Show, which runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and finishing with a fireworks display that event organizer Anson Service said will be the “biggest and most impressive fireworks show in Lewis County.”
The event will also boast a collection of local organizations and vendors selling local products, accessories and crafts along with live music, a beer garden and food vendors all open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission to the event is free.
Starting at 11:30 a.m., attendees will also have a chance to sign up for the event's cornhole tournament, with a cash prize for the winners.
Four musical acts will play throughout the event, including a nine-piece funk band called the Funk Junkies.
The beer garden will be operated by local Vader establishment The Tracks Bar and Grill. Nine food vendors will be open offering a wide range of food from tacos and hot togs to sweet treats.
“We’ve assembled a dream team of organizers, each bringing unique skills and energy to this event,” Service said. “It’s truly shaping up to be the most fun-filled, all day and night celebration in the nine-county area.”
The Hell on Wheels Car Show will be sporting a western twist with the name drawing inspiration from the town's long history and connection with the railroad. Organizers encourage attendees to embrace the event's theme and to dress “like it's the wild west.” The show welcomes vehicles of all shapes and sizes, from classic cars to custom builds and vintage RVs. As a special exhibit, the car show will feature a preserved horse-drawn carriage from 1901.
Registration for entries in the car show are currently open online. Those who register early will receive a gift package ,including an exclusive T-shirt, food and drink vouchers and more. Organizers encourage early registration as space at the event is limited.
At the end of the festivities, the free fireworks display, which organizers say is designed to rival the fireworks shows of larger cities, is scheduled to start at dusk.
“It’s designed to be up-close, immersive and unforgettable,” Service said.
Attendees are encouraged to show up early to save a space for the firework show.
Those hoping to register for the car show or looking for more information about the entire Red, White and Boom Independence Day Festival can visit https://vadercarshow.com.
