Red, White & Boom to light up the sky Saturday night

A grand celebration to honor the nation's independence is set for Saturday, July 1, at Barker Park from 4 to 9:30 pm.

Organized by the Wasco Recreation and Parks District, the Red, White & Boom Fireworks Festi-val will kick off with a flag ceremony, followed by a bicycle parade, music, food, vendors, a wa-termelon contest, Red, White & Pool Party and a finale fireworks show.

All of the activities are free and open to all ages.

"The fireworks show has been a long-standing tradition for 20-plus years in Wasco. The Chamber of Commerce at the time started the tradition, and over the years, independent organizations as well. The WRPD took over the fireworks last year and continues the tradition," said WRPD Manager Chris Serna.

The fireworks show is expected to last 15 minutes, with some new fireworks incorporated into the display.

The flag ceremony is a special component of the event.

"During the flag ceremony, Wasco Scouts #950 will present the American flag to the audience. At this point, the Wasco Scouts #950 and the audience will acknowledge and salute its presence as a sign of respect to our nation and those within it," Serna said.

The bike parade became a new tradition that started last year with the partnership of the Toys for Tigers organization.

"Decorate your bike, trike, stroller or wagon and ride around Barker Park. Kids get a fun medal and ice cream treat for participating," he said.

Sponsors include the Wasco State Prison-Reception Center, The Lavender Garden, MV Auto Works Collision Center, General Office Machines Company, Creative Builders, Asphalt Coat-ings Engineering, Envision Ag Enterprises, California Home Pros, SunnyGem LLC, Garcia Towing & Transport, Gardner's Supply, Inc. and Wasco Glass.

"I look forward to the finale part, seeing how filled the park is with people of all ages, the ex-citement and the enjoyment that the beautiful dazzling, glittering, sparkling, glowing fireworks of all different colors brings as it is a work of art in the sky," Serna said.

For more information or to volunteer, call the WRPD office at 661-758-3081.