The city of East Ridge is presenting another free Camp Jordan Jams, along with food, entertainment, competition and fellowship planned for July 3 at Camp Jordan Park, I-75, Exit 1.
In celebration of Independence Day, East Ridge is having a barbecue cook-off, karaoke contest with the winner taking home $1,000, Northwest Georgia band, Common Ground, Chattanooga Music Hall of Fame members, The Beaters, a Cruise In and a fireworks show. All for free.
Parks and Recreation Director Stump Martin said he wants all of the people of East Ridge and the surrounding areas to join together for a summer celebration.
"This event is for all ages and of course celebrates America's freedom," Mr. Martin said. "We have our new one-of-a-kind Gametime playground open and will also have inflatable's for the kids.
"There is no charge to enter the barbecue cook-off, nor the karaoke contest, sponsored by David Gysin and Superior Creek Lodge."
The karaoke contest is scheduled from 3-6 p.m., Common Ground takes the stage from 6:30-7:30, the Beaters headline from 8-10 p.m. and a fireworks display will decorate the sky at 10 p.m.
Barbecue cook-off contestants may set up the night before the event and judging is scheduled for 2 p.m. on July 3. Those interested in getting more information on the cook-off and how to enter the contest should contact Harry Mackey at 653-7838.
"Whether you are a true professional with a smoker or are the master of your own backyard cookouts we want to see who the best really is," Mr. Martin said. "We have a long list of volunteers for the judging, but we're letting Harry handle all of that."
Camp Jordan Jams and the park have become venues for car shows and cruise ins. The Memorial weekend Cruise In brought in more than 30 classics and hot rods. The July 3 Cruise In will begin at 6 p.m. with the cars again being lined up on the north end of the stage.
"Get there early and stake claim to an area in the Amphitheatre lot and get your chairs ready for the fun," Mr. Martin said. "The last time the Beaters were at Camp Jordan the 30-year-old band brought a good crowd and we expect more this time."
Mr. Martin said Fire Chief Mike Williams and his staff were working on vendor registration for the event. Chief Williams can be reached at 315-4259.