By Sudan Britton

The city of Lake Charles is hosting its 30th annual Red, White, Blue & You celebration on Monday — a patriotic concert at the Lake Charles Civic Center Arcade Pavilion with concessions, face painting and a fireworks extravaganza.

The Fourth of July celebration starts at 6:30 p.m., with music by the Charlie Wayne Band. Country artist Gyth Rigdon, a finalist on “The Voice,” will perform at 7:30 p.m.

Lake Charles Director of Cultural Affairs Matt Young said the event is free and open to the public. All ages are welcome; with the nearby Millennium Park and splash pads open to the public.

“We expect an estimate of 10,000 people to observe the fireworks display this year,” Young said. “It’s one of the largest in the state. Because it’s launched from a barge in the middle of the lake, we can use larger cannons that launch the fireworks higher. It’s also pretty cool seeing the reflection of the fireworks over the water,” Young said.

All food and beverage prices are affordable, he said, with food vendors such as Liberty Street Kitchen, Hi-Licious Food Kitchen, Kona Ice, Boombox Pops and Gatti’s Pizza featured. Complimentary hand-held American flags will also be distributed.

A fireworks extravaganza show over the lake will start at 9:15 p.m. with the Mayor’s Armed Forces Commission Queens selling festival T-shirts.

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Red White Blue and You Celebration will be moved to the Civic Center Coliseum if the weather becomes problematic.

Young said as the temperature cools and families wrap their barbecues, they hope more families come out and enjoy the festivities.