With gospel music planned throughout the day from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m., Johnson said this year's festival promises to be one of the largest ever.

“We have twice as many vendors lined up compared to last year,” said Johnson energetically. “Last year we had about 25 vendors overall, and this year we have 50 signed up, so we're pretty excited about it. We'll also have more food vendors.”

Johnson said problems with the stage and sound system during the festival's headline act have also been solved.

“We had a few problems last year. We're not sure what happened, but we've managed to solve it for this year's show,” said Johnson. “We're bringing in a professional stage and sound company.”

Johnson said this year's headline performance will come from nationally renown Christian performers Shane and Shane, with some local talent backing them up.

“Shane and Shane are really up and coming, and getting bigger every day,” said Johnson. “So we're very excited to have them coming to Big Spring. Opening for the will be Crimson Soul, which is a local band, along with Big Spring's Barabbas, the band that won the Knockout Battle of the Bands.”

Johnson said a set schedule of performers should be available later this week.

“This is our gift to the community,” said Johnson. “This isn't a fundraiser or anything like that. In the end, the DRA is lucky if it even breaks even. We just want to stir up the excitement in downtown Big Spring. We feel like if we can get the energy and determination up in the downtown area — if we can get the right kind of attitude growing — we'll see the kind of revitalization we've been working for.

“The Funtastic Fourth Festival is also a chance for us to give thanks to the Lord in the process, because in the end, He is the one that is going to make these things happen.”

Johnson said the day-long event will be very similar to last year's offering, including entertainment for kids and a washer tournament.

“Manuel Ontiveros is in charge of the washer tournament, which will get under way around 1 p.m. or 2 p.m.,” said Johnson. “We will also have plenty of rides for the kids, very similar to what we've had in years past.”

For more information on the washer tournament, contact Ontiveros at 432-213-1392. For more information on the festival, contact Johnson at 267-6278.

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it