Gun Barrel City's annual July Fest celebration is set to go, and it is expected to be bigger and better than ever, according to coordinator Mickie Raney.
Raney told the Gun Barrel City Council this week that advance ticket sales for the event are up 79 percent over last year at this time.
"We are ready for July Fest next weekend," Raney said. "You will see the carnival roll into town this weekend."
This year the event will feature GUNBARRELRITAVILLE on July 4 at 6 p.m. at the City Park Amphiteater for the first time. Visitors 16 and under are free.
The event is a contest among competitors who are vying for the award of "Best Margarita Recipe." There will also be a concert featuring Alexis Elkins, Trinity Langford and The Bamboo Boat Band. General admission is $5, and that will get visitors 12 2 oz. Margarita samples and a commemorative Margarita glass.Visitors will vote on the best tasting Margarita.
July Fest will continue July 5 with the gates opening at 2:30 p.m. Performances from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. will be 106.9 Radio Battle of the Bands -- featuring Preston Scott Band, The Rusty Brothers and Zach Coffey. The performances will continue with Kadie Lynn, Wesley Pruitt, Back in Black and Dase Donahew.
There will be a firewords show at 10 p.m. and Vanilla Ice will perform at 10:30 p.m.
The entrance fee on July 5 will be $20. Children 5 and under are free. Advance adult tickets are $15.