Shown are the 2021 Mr. and Miss Firecracker contest winners, Kemper Trigg and Payton Williams. Entries for the 2024 contest hopefuls are due by Thursday, May 30. [Acquired photo]

The Mr. and Miss Firecracker contest is underway in Galva. The Ready to Grow group is sponsoring the event that’s open to boys and girls from Pre-K to second grade who reside in the Galva School District. Entry forms are available at the Community State Bank and the State Bank of Toulon Galva locations.

Voters cast their ballots by placing monetary donations in containers at the two banks. Contestants who receive the most donations are declared the winners.

Canisters for voting at the Galva branches of Community State Bank and State Bank of Toulon are like these shown here. Voting is from Jule 1 – June 17. Proceeds help fund Galva Ready to Grow projects. [Photo by Diana Whitney]

Mr. and Miss Firecracker will ride on the Freedom Fest float in the Fourth of July parade and participate in Galva’s Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration. The pair will also hand out trophies at the Freedom Fest Car Show on August 25.

Miss Firecracker will receive a tiara and sash and Mr. Firecracker will be given a sash and patriotic ball cap. Both winners will receive a special goodie bag.

Entries are due by Thursday, May 30 and Ready to Grow President Annette Smith encourages area children to participate.

“Voting runs from June 1 to June 17,” said Smith. “The winners will be announced on June 19 in Veterans Park at the Galva Ready to Grow dinner in the park.”

All proceeds from the Mr. and Miss Firecracker contest go to fund projects performed by Ready to Grow members and volunteers.

For more information, contact the group through their Facebook page.