Festivities involve more than fireworks

This year’s Smoke on the Water Fourth of July celebration at Greene Acres Park will be the biggest held, according to Jenni Gee of the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce.

While previous celebrations included fireworks displays, this year’s will also include live music and a boat race.

“Everybody’s so supportive from big businesses to residents,” Gee said. “Everyone should look forward to it because it’s going to be an amazing, amazing show.”

Steve Rooney and Duffy Moon from MIX 107.5 are leading the event’s organization and presentation this year. Rooney said part of the reason for the increase in activities is the city’s centennial.

“Weather permitting, there will be a special centennial finale following the show,” Rooney said. “The Clovis Community Choir will be performing a patriotic concert leading up to the fireworks.”

Local dairymen will host a boat race at 2 p.m. in Greene Acres lake with 20 teams that have pre-registered.

Other activities include live performances from the Kene Terry Band, the Fun Brothers and the Clovis Community Band, Gee said.

“We wanted to make it where people could come out early, maybe bring a picnic,” Rooney said.

Gee said the Chamber still hasn’t reached its goal of $30,000 in donations to pay for the expenses, but contributions can be sent to Smoke on the Water, 105 E. Grand Ave., Clovis, NM 88101.

“The most important thing is a big thanks go to the local community, from the mom-and-pop store, to the national corporations to the mom and dad sending checks,” Gee said. “I think the community appreciates the fireworks just as much as the Chamber does.”

Rooney said the choir’s performance and the soundtrack to the fireworks display will be broadcast on MIX 107.5.