Red, White and You

They are memories that last a lifetime - watching Fourth of July fireworks perched atop dad's shoulders, barbecuing with family and friends in the backyard, and enjoying patriotic parades with marching bands...it's the perfect way to celebrate our nation's birthday. And in a day and age when budget constraints force small towns to cancel local festivities, Destination America, the only network that celebrates the people, places, and stories of the U.S., and national weekly magazine, USA WEEKEND are partnering once again to rescue the festivities with the second annual "RED, WHITE AND YOU" contest. The national competition provides an opportunity for two towns to win a spectacular Fourth of July celebration - complete with food, entertainment and of course, fireworks! In addition, this year's contest will also award five second prize winning towns an opportunity to have their very own fireworks display provided by Destination America, ensuring the all-American spirit is spread further across the country.

"Destination America, along with USA Weekend, is looking forward to once again kicking off the "RED, WHITE AND YOU" contest from small town to downtown," said Marc Etkind, general manager, Destination America. "Destination America was born from the idea of celebrating all there is to love about the U.S., and we can't wait to go beyond the TV screen and be in person to provide smiles and joy to communities across the nation."

The "RED, WHITE AND YOU" contest, launching today, can be found at the Destination America website where contestants have the opportunity to say why, in 150 words or less, their hometown deserves an over-the-top Fourth of July celebration. A panel of judges will help determine finalists who will advance to the next round where two Grand Prize winners will be selected to win an unforgettable Independence Day celebration for their hometown. This year the contest will expand to award second place to five additional towns who will receive spectacular fireworks displays and three third place "People's Choice" winners which will be determined by inviting fans to vote. Each of the "People's Choice" winners will receive $4000 to be used toward their local Parks and Recreation Department.

The inaugural "RED, WHITE AND YOU" contest last year awarded two deserving communities a one-of-a-kind Fourth of July celebration. Launched in March 2013, the contest garnered more than 3,500 entries, with the two grand prize winners proving to be very worthy communities: Union Beach, NJ, a coastal town recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, and Fayetteville, NC, a community which enthusiastically supports its military partners at Fort Bragg. The network lined up a spectacular party for both towns - headlined by Grammy Award-winning band The Mavericks. Union Beach was treated to BBQ from stars of Destination America's hit series, BBQ PITMASTERS, Myron Mixon and Tuffy Stone, while in Fayetteville there was a more patriotic nod to our country's armed forces: the 82ndAirborne Division Chorus performed after a traditional Posting of the Colors and remarks from Maj. Gen. Jeffrey N. Colt, deputy commanding general, XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg.