A forecast of rain showers throughout the day and into this evening has forced a rescheduling of the fifth annual Red, White and Boom.

Originally scheduled for July 4 at the Wicomico County Stadium, the event will go on as planned before -- just 24 hours later.

As the United States celebrates its 240th birthday, thousands will gather locally to watch fireworks blast off, in a patriotic spectacle that defines America.

In honor of military families, the fireworks extravaganza will begin with the launch of a single blue firework. It will be in honor of Blue Star families, who have a loved one serving in the military.

Immediately afterward, a gold firework will shoot toward the sky, for Gold Star families, those who have lost someone in military service.

“It is our distinct honor to remember these families, and those brave men and women who make our freedoms possible,” said Mike Dunn, organizer and founder of Red, White and Boom.

Gates to the free event will now open at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday; fFireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m.

Those attending can take blankets and lawn chairs. Several food vendors will be there, including Kona Ice, Big Al’s, Phat Boyz, Nice Cream Creamery, Holly Hill Creations, Eastern Shore Kettle Korn, Cake Art, Vittles, King’s Hawaiian and Chilly Dawgs.

WBOC-FM radio will broadcast from the field.

Children can play in three bounce houses, courtesy of Sonrise Church.

At 8 p.m. there will be a Kids’ Kazoo Parade. “Every kid will get a kazoo and take one lap around the track,” Dunn said.

“This is truly about the community. We’re extending an invitation to everybody to come and gather at the county stadium. I think it’s kind of cool when a community can rally around itself the way we do at Third Friday, the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and the Winter Wonderland of Lights,” Dunn said.

There is room for thousands in the stadium and field outdoors, where tents can be pitched. Parking will be at the civic center and high school.

“Come gather at Wicomico County Stadium. Bring your lawn chairs and your blankets, your friends and your community spirit, and spread out,” he said.

The city of Salisbury is the main sponsor. The premiere sponsor is Pohanka Toyota of Salisbury. Toyota models will be on display.

“All the city's leaders have been such strong supporters of the fireworks. The Salisbury police and fire departments, and the public works department all do so much to help make the night possible. Wicomico County has also helped out tremendously,” he said.

Support has also come from County Executive Bob Culver, the county tourism staff, recreation and parks staff, Civic Center staff, Sheriff’s Office, Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Education and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore.

“The Moose Lodge, the Elks, VFW … they all contribute,” Dunn said.

“It’s going to be a nice event. Grab your spot and come and enjoy the music and food and fireworks,” he said.

“From the turf in the stadium -- and, if you want, from the visitors’ side bleachers, too -- you'll have the best view of the fireworks. They'll be directly across the street from you, rising as high as 600 feet in the air … you may never get a chance to get this up close and personal to fireworks,” Dunn said.

“Few things are more community-centric than the Fourth of July celebration. It’s the Fourth of July and its fireworks.”