Patriotic festivities will continue into the weekend with the American Cancer Society's Red, White & Blue Party at The Camp at Lake Wappapello.
The All-American themed event will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday. Slated events for the evening include live music, an auction, games and more to support the American Cancer Society's mission to save lives from the disease.
"The committee is so excited to be partnering with The Camp and hosting The Millstones and Brothers Walker to come together to celebrate the progress we have made," ACS Community Development Manager Shanna Hayes said. "Brothers Walker has performed at several Relay For Life events over the years, so it is fitting to have them performing for us at our first Red, White & Blue Party. Their energy and love for music is exactly what we need for an impactful and memorable night."
The Millstones will kick off the festivities followed at 8 p.m. by an auction.
Auction items are still being collected and can be donated by contacting Hayes at 573-718-3746.
All donations are tax deductible and donors will be recognized at the event. Items up for grabs at the auction include engines donated by Briggs & Stratton, Hydro Adventures passes, a cabin stay at The Camp, a hair basket from The Salon, father/daughter dance tickets donated by the Masonic Lodge, a St. Louis Cardinals basket and more.
Guest speaker Dr. Amy Rowland will be speaking at 8:30 p.m. about her two-time battle with cancer along with a special musical performance by Doug Clark.
"Everyone is asked to wear their best red, white, and/or blue patriotic attire for our party with a purpose," Hayes said. "We will be having a contest for best patriotic costume and giving a prize."
The Brothers Walker will take the stage following the contest and close out the evening.
Tickets for the Red, White & Blue Party can be purchased at the door for $20 or in advance for a total of $17.82 through Eventbrite. To purchase online, visit The Camp on Facebook or search the event on Eventbrite.
All ages are welcome to attend and children 12 and under are free.
"The Camp will be giving half of all ticket proceeds to the American Cancer Society and our mission," Hayes said.
Funds raised will help the ACS attack cancer in dozens of ways including funding and conducting research, patient support programs such as lodging during treatment, providing prevention education and detection and treatment.
ACS also provides patients and caregivers valuable resources that can improve and help to save lives including rides to chemo, places to stay when far from home, a live 24/7 helpline and a clinical trial matching service for everyone with every type of cancer.
Events like the Red, White & Blue Party have assisted with the progress of the ACS and is saving approximately 400 lives per day. The cancer death rate has decreased 22 percent since 1991.
"This is the first year for the Red, White & Blue event though we would like to make it an annual event," Hayes said. "We wanted to try a new event in our community to get new people involved to reach a wider audience and spread awareness to support the American Cancer Society's mission to save lives from cancer."
Top sponsors for the event include The Camp, Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, Rowland Family Dentistry, Robert Rowland Dental, Sunset Pool, Spa and Metal and Parks Animal Care Center.
"Please join us for a party with a purpose on Saturday, July 7," Hayes said. "Please bring a chair for the show, along with your friends and family."