Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band, Bruce in the USA, will perform as the lead performer in the 31st Annual Red, White and Blue Days on Sunday.

Lead singer Matt Ryan, along with his band, will perform a picture-perfect and visually accurate recreation of a Bruce Springsteen & The E St. Band show.

Ryan began playing the character of Springsteen in 2000 on the Legends in Concert show.

His success then led him to perform all over the world; finally, in 2004, he evolved his character in the show Bruce In The USA.

Red, White and Blue Days kick off at 9 a.m. on July 2, with the second annual RWB Auto and Bike Show.

Registration is from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. with $15 per car and $10 per bike. Judging will begin at 11:00 a.m. and awards will follow.

On July 3, vendors will open at 3 p.m.

Per Morton Park regulations, only non-profit vendors are permitted; several of them include the Knights of Columbus, Masonic Lodge, 9 Muses, Rotary Club of Charleston, American Legion and more.

There will be a $3 all-you-can-eat ice cream buffet, inflatables, games and activities.

At 4 p.m., families are invited to participate in Joyful Bubbles to fill the sky with hundreds of small and large bubbles.

The free concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the opening of Rick K & The Roadtrip with an intermission to announce the Famer of the Year award, with the main act beginning at 8 p.m.

On July 4, activities begin at 6:30 a.m. with a 4 for the 4th Habitat for Humanity 4-Mile Run/Walk.

Registration begins at 6:30 a.m., with departure at 7:30 a.m. For more information click here.

The American Legion Pancake & Sausage Breakfast will begin at 7:00 a.m. and last until 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast will be at the American Legion Post 93.

Starting at 9 a.m., the Coles County Arts Chalk-

The Coles County Arts Council Chalk-In will begin at 9 a.m. and all ages are invited to decorate the streets of Pierce and Division.

Prizes will be awarded to different categories according to age: six and under, seven to 10, 11-14, 14-18 and 18 and over. There is a group category for those who want to work with their friends and family. The “Most Patriotic” award can be given to anyone, regardless of category.

After the chalk art, an animal parade will take place at 9:30 a.m. in Morton Park in the West Lookout near Division Street.

All dogs must be on a non-flexi leash and other animals must be suitable carriers.

All young participants must be accompanied by an adult.

Pet owners are responsible for their pet’s behavior and are required to clean up after them.

Female pets in season are not permitted.

Entrants will be judged by Charleston Police K9 officers with prizes for all entrants. Costumes are encouraged but not required.

Vendors, games and entertainment will open at 10 a.m. and close at 4 p.m.

The 4th of July Parade starts at 1 p.m. in Charleston Square, then heads south on 6th Street to Polk Avenue, then west to Division St., then south to Morton Park .

Following the parade at 2:15 p.m., the local VFW Color Guard will present a traditional 21-gun salute with two guests ringing the Liberty Bell.

Korean War Navy veteran Dr. Robert Blagg will ring the bell alongside Charleston Chamber of Commerce President Doug Abolt.

He is heavily involved in the Charleston Legion and recently retired after working 60 years as a dentist in Charleston.

Betty Coffrin, a member of Charleston’s events committee, said she wanted to honor the city’s small businesses who provided prizes and supported the festival.

Closing out the celebration, at dusk at the Coles County Airport, the free fireworks display will take place.

Doors open at 4 p.m. and shuttle service is available at 5 p.m. to Mattoon Cross County Club and Charleston at O’Brien Stadium East. If you are driving, you will enter where you exit.

Rob Le Cates is a second-year journalism student. He can be reached at 217-581-2812 or [email protected]