Party in the Park to mark 3rd year with activities

SOUTH POINT –– Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 2, when People for the Point, along with the village of South Point, will host its annual Party in the Park for Independence Day at the South Point Community Park.

“This is the third year for the event and the plans include bigger and better events for everyone to enjoy throughout the day,” Chris Smith, president of People for the Point, said. “We always enjoy doing something good for the community.”

Several events are scheduled for the event throughout the day as well as concessions and crafters throughout the park and children’s activities including free pony rides, a free carnival ride, inflatables and a large petting zoo.

The Run, White and Blue 5K powder run will kick things off at 8:30 a.m., running along the river and through the village. Those interested in participating in the 5K can register now at www.tristateracer.com, pick up applications at local businesses throughout the village or sign up at the picnic shelter/boat dock the day of the event, although it is encouraged to sign up early to guarantee a race shirt. The cost to race in the 5K is $25.

The annual car and motorcycle show will take place from noon-4 p.m. Registration for the car and motorcycle show will be 9 a.m.-noon and cash prizes and plaques will be awarded to winners at 4 p.m. Any questions regarding the car and motorcycle show can be emailed to Donnie Main at donniemain@yahoo.com.

Also beginning at noon is a corn-hole tournament sponsored by People for the Point. The cost to enter the tournament is $20 per team with a grand prize of custom corn-hole boards going to the champions. Other prizes will also be awarded. Registration for the corn-hole tournament will be 10-11:30 a.m. at the park gazebo.

At 12:30 p.m., there will be a patriotic dog show, where everyone is encouraged to dress their canines up in patriotic costumes. Registration is free and will take place from 10 a.m.-noon.

For the third year, Snak Shak will present a hot dog eating contest at 5:30 p.m. The contest is a timed event with the winner being the first to eat 12 hot dogs, including the buns.

The winner will be awarded a trophy or plaque.

Live music will be on the main stage all day with the schedule as follows:

South Point High School student Chase Jobe performing from 10-11 a.m., Emily Mays Ferguson from 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Shelby Lore and the Rovers from 1-3 p.m., Dub V Funk from 3:15-4 p.m., Heavy Hitters from 4:30-5:15 p.m. and Rodney Crisp and Jason Mays from 6-7:30 p.m. Headlining at 8 p.m. is Portsmouth native and Nashville recording artist Shane Runion and the Shane Runion Band.

The Shane Runion band will perform all the way up until the professional fireworks display at 10:15 p.m. along the river.

People for the Point is currently looking for crafters, food vendors and sponsors for the event. Anyone interested can contact Lisa Irish at lisa.irish@peopleforthepointinc.com. The group will also sell raffle tickets for four rifles in an effort to raise funds for future events. Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $20. The drawing for the prizes will begin at 10 p.m. on the main stage just before the fireworks.