LEWISTON/AUBURN — The 17th annual Liberty Festival will return to the twin cities on Thursday, July 4.

The day-long celebration features live entertainment on two stages along with dozens of food and merchandise vendors. The day ends with a 9:30 p.m. fireworks display over the Great Falls.

This year’s entertainment line-up is not to be missed. Live performances begin at 5 p.m. in Auburn at Great Falls Plaza and include The Pop Rocks, Render, Skosh and Cold Blue Steel. At Veteran’s Park in Lewiston, Nick Knowlton will be the master of ceremonies and the Veayo Twins kick off the entertainment at 6:30 p.m.

Additionally, Kavanaugh Amusements will have carnival rides set up in Lewiston from Thursday, July 4, through Sunday, July 7.

Visitors looking for a unique way to participate in the festival can register for the Light the Works Contest. The winner gets the honor of kicking off the festival fireworks display. High above the crowd in a scissor lift, the winner will fire a flare gun, signaling the start of the fireworks show. Enter online at libertyfestival.org. Click on Festival Info, then Light the Works Contest. The winner will be selected at random on Tuesday, July 2.

The Liberty Festival is Lewiston/Auburn’s annual Fourth of July celebration. The festival rain date is Friday, July 5. For more information and a complete entertainment schedule, visit www.libertyfestival.org.