Fourth of July fast approaching

The Fourth of July Fireworks display planned for Saturday at Ute Lake State Park will be held in honor of one of the Logan Bass Clubs own, Ellis 'Ray' Gorman.

"Ray was a member of the Logan Bass Club and helped each year to set off the display," said Christina Liles, volunteer.

Liles said the LBC holds a tournament at the beginning of May, the proceeds from that tournament along with donations pay for the fireworks display.

"The club wanted to honor Ray for all of his hard work and service," Liles said of Gorman, who died in May. "It would be near impossible to put on such a great show without all of the work done by the bass club and donations from residents and businesses."

Logan's Fourth of July celebration will be held on Friday and Saturday to allow the residents, visitors to take part in the celebration, said Ashley Osborn, Logan/Ute Lake Chamber of Commerce Director.

Like the inaugural year, the band playing during Friday night's street dance will be Kene Terry and the Urban Cowboys, said Courtney Neece, COC president.

Neece said organizers selected a local artist, to promote the area and it's talent. She said the dance will begin at 7:30 p.m., and will be held on First Street behind the U.S. Post Office ($10 singles, $15 couples)

Osborn said due to the lack of funding and volunteers there will be no free barbecue, bean feed or horseshoe tournament. She said the chamber is working to hold more events in the future in order to hold this event during next year's celebration.

Osborn said there will still be a parade that will start at 9 a.m., Saturday morning. She said through the week and during the parade residents and visitors can purchase a raffle ticket for $25 for a chance to win $10,000, a remodel, Harley Davidson Motorcycle or a 2018 Polaris Ranger ATV.

"The raffle is one of the largest fundraisers held by the chamber," Osborn said. "The proceeds allow us to continue to promote Logan, Ute Lake and draw in tourist to the region."

The winning ticket will be drawn at 3 p.m., on Saturday (need not be present to win).

Neece said the chamber is in the process of rebuilding and events like the Fourth of July celebration help to create a foundation for the organization.

"We have future events planned with the goal of drawing people to the region not just for a holiday weekend," Osborn said.

The Tucumcari Elks Lodge will hold its annual Fourth of July fireworks display on Wednesday in Tucumcari.