July Fest, a long-standing Vina tradition, will resume this year after skipping 2020 because of COVID-19 precautions.

The festival will be held on the grounds of the Vina Fire Department July 31, beginning at 9 a.m.

“This is our 30th year,” said Denise Rogers, secretary and treasurer of Vina Rescue Squad. “There will be music and a car show, the Draw Down and fireworks. We want to give back to our community and the surrounding area. A waterslide and jump house will be on site for ages 12 and younger to enjoy, and there will be no charge.”

Music will start at 10 a.m., and a fireworks show will wrap up the event at 9 p.m.

To help ease the burden of missing events in 2020, Rogers said there will be no charge for vendors this year. Donations will be accepted but not expected, and all vendors are welcome.

The Draw Down, of course, is July Fest’s signature event.

“The Draw Down event will have a prize of $17,000. There are 325 tickets, and tickets are $100 each,” explained Sue Raper, Vina city clerk. “They draw down until there are two people left. At that point, they can decide to split it or go for the whole amount.”

Raper said car show registration is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a $20 fee, and $1,000 in cash prizes will be paid out. “Trophies will be given for Best Engine, Best Paint and Best Interior,” Raper added.

Rogers said Vina First Baptist Church will be selling bean dinners with cornbread and a drink or a choice of a barbecue plate. “You can cool down inside the church. It’s within walking distance of the festivities.”

Vina Mayor Michael Moomaw said July Fest is “a wonderful opportunity for the community to come out and enjoy each other’s company and have fun in a safe and friendly environment.”

“People come from out of town to visit, both those who used to live here and people from surrounding areas,” Moomaw added. “The Rescue Squad does a terrific job planning the event, and Billy Boyd always does an excellent job finding bands to bring in.

“We didn’t get to have the festival last year, and we’re really excited to be able to get back out and see everyone again, listen to good music, eat good food and enjoy everything July Fest has to offer.”

For more information about July Fest, contact Vina City Hall at 256-356-4996.