Leap Frog to Hold Third Annual Firecracker Bash July 3

The Leap Frog after-school tutoring and mentoring program will hold its third annual Firecracker Bash at The Lyric Oxford on July 3.

The event will begin at 7 p.m., and tickets are $25 at the door. Tickets may be purchased in advance at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church or Oxford-University United Methodist Church.

Leap Frog participants enjoy lots of festive activities throughout the year.

There will be fun for all, including the crowning of Mr. and Mrs. America, music by Memphis show band The Bouffants, a silent auction, catered food, and lots of dancing.

“This event is always a lot of fun and it gets the community involved in a fun way to raise awareness for our program,” said Leap Frog Executive Director Teresa Adams.

The Leap Frog Program is a non-profit after-school tutoring and mentoring program for at-risk first, second and third graders in the Oxford and Lafayette school districts. The program serves 140 students, with no charge to their families.

Guests will enjoy bottomless beer cups featuring Yalobusha Brewery and dinner catered by Woodson Ridge Farms.

Big-ticket items will be up for silent auction including a weekend stay at the Inn at Ole Miss, a pair of custom Blue Delta Jean Co. denim jeans, local restaurant gift cards and more. An Apple Watch will be raffled off, and raffle tickets are $5.

Land shark at Leap Frog!

“The atmosphere is laid back and casual,” Adams said. “We want you to come as you are. If you’re walking around the square and spot us, we want to welcome you right in.”

New to the event this year will be a unique photo booth experience by Oxford Photobomb. A vintage travel trailer filled with themed decor and props will allow guests to dress up and take pictures with friends on quality digital photo print.

“People are going to love it,” Adams said.

The annual Mrs. and Mr. America contest will take place within the event, and currently, there are three local couples competing for the title. The public is encouraged to click here to cast their vote or sponsor a couple.

Students are progressing in their reading skills through the Leap Frog Program.

To date, the competing couples have raised more than $3,000 through sponsorships for the program.
“We’re hoping that through this event, people will learn what we’re about while having a great time.”

Last year’s Firecracker Bash brought in $17,000 for the program.

For more information about The Leap Frog Program, visit www.theleapfrogprogram.org.

Beth Harmon is managing editor for HottyToddy.com. Email her at beth.harmon@hottytoddy.com