Kingston Parks and Recreation has announced new and exciting changes for this year’s July 4th celebration entitled Smokin’ the Water to be held Tuesday, July 4th. The day will be abbreviated, beginning at 2 p.m. instead of opening in the morning, and will run until 10 p.m.

For the children and youth, more activities, games, bouncers and rides will be added over the previous years. Alien laser tag, a mechanical bull, and little paddle cars will be located at Kingston City Park. The musical line-up will consist of some bigger names this year to include former Allman Brothers band member and Grammy award winner, Johnny Neel.

The Homemade Raft Race has some changes as well. Raft race participants have the opportunity to win money this year, along with the usual awards. Not only will the winner of the race win the “Golden Paddle” but $175 in cash. Second place winner receives $150, and the “All Women’s Crew” who crosses the finish line first wins an award, along with $100. The “Youth Group Award” is for church youth groups who cross the finish line first, and along with it the winning group will take home $75. The homemade raft that is the “Most Patriotic” wins $50.
The Car Show will open with registration beginning at 2 p.m., judging at 3 p.m. and winners announced at 4:30 p.m.

The biggest change, from popular demand, is a BBQ cook-off that will replace the boat races. A collection of Tennessee’s finest BBQ’ers will gather and compete to try to win the title of Best Pulled Pork, Best Chicken Wings, or Best Ribs, along with prize money in the amount of $1,800 for 1st Place, $700 for 2nd place, and $500 for 3rd place, in each category. Winners will be announced at 2 p.m. on the stage located at City Park.

The evening will close with a firework show.