GALLIPOLIS - Fireworks will fill the sky over the City Park and Ohio River tonight when the annual red, white and boom takes place during the 42nd annual River Recreation Festival.

But while fireworks have traditionally brought a close to the festival, this year another full day of activities is set for Saturday before festival organizers bring down the curtain.

The fireworks show is set for 10 p.m., but crowds will begin gathering early this evening for the show. There, they can be treated to the wing eating contest sponsored by Courtside Bar & Grill from 6 to 6:30 p.m., followed by a live performance by Sonic Sledge on the Main Stage until 7:30.

At 8 p.m., Two River Junction takes the stage and following the fireworks at 10:30, The Boogieman performs.

While Saturday is Kids Day for the festival, filled with games and contests, their parents and others are encouraged to attend the live auction on the Main Stage at 4 p.m.

Festival organizers stressed that the auction, sponsored by Josh Bodimer and Wiseman Real Estate, has a number of quality items up for the highest bidder, not the least of them a 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier donated by Smith Superstore.

Add to that a year of free room and board from the University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College, an aerial tour of Gallia County by Dr. David Smith and billboard space donated by River City Outdoor Advertising, the auction will have something to interest potential bidders.

Saturday's activities begin with Youth Art in the Park from the French Art Colony from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., and storytelling from the Bossard Memorial Library from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Contests include the egg race and hay rolling by O.O. McIntyre Park District, 11 a.m.; Eastman's Oreo stacking contest, noon; and hula hoop, bubble gum blowing and sack races at 1 p.m., sponsored by HOPE Intervention.

The water balloon and obstacle course sponsored by the Gallipolis Kiwanis Club is at 2:30 p.m., with terrapin races, sack races and the frog jumping contest sponsored by the Gallipolis Lions Club beginning at 4 p.m.

Live performances on the Main Stage include the magician Dr. Eldoonie at 6 p.m., CeeCee Tench at 7:15,a and featured entertainer Lee McCormack at 8:30. The Jake Koebel split the pot drawing, sponsored by McDonald's, closes out the festival at 9:45.