The folks at the Leap Frog program are all set to host the Firecracker Bash, a night of music and fun to help raise money for their voluntary educational efforts in the Oxford community.

This year marks their fifth annual fundraiser and will be held at the Powerhouse on 14th Street on Thursday, June 29. For entertainment, the Memphis-based party band, the Bouffants, will be providing the music for the evening. Additionally there will be a special performance by the Leap Frog students. Barbeque will be provided, as well as bottomless beer courtesy of the Yalobusha Brewery. A silent auction will take place, giving guests the opportunity to win unique prizes.

The Firecracker bash includes a “Mr. and Mrs. America” contest.

Three local couples have accepted their invitation to “run.” The couple that receives the most donations will be crowned the 2017 winner. The contestants can receive votes and donations at The Leap Frog Program’s website.

The Leap Frog Program is a non-profit organization that, according to their website, “Provides reading intervention tutoring and enrichment activities to first, second, and third grades from Oxford and Lafayette public schools.”

The after school program lasts for two hours and consists of tutoring sessions as well as recreational activities. Tutors consist of more than 200 volunteers who are trained by Leap Frog. St. Peter’s church and Oxford-University Methodist primarily fund the 25-year-old program. You can donate directly to the program at theleapfrogprogram.org

“We raised $32,000 last year and hope to beat that this year,” said Executive Director Teresa Adams. “I’m really excited the students will be there to perform. They are the reason for the program, and I’m so happy the community will get to see how awesome they are. We serve 140 students each year, and I grow attached to them all. They are all so precious and deserving of the services they receive at Leap Frog. it truly is a gift to work with them.”

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the door or at St. Peters. The doors are set to open at 7 p.m.