This is the second year Peoria and East Peoria have officially and jointly participated in the July 4th celebration along the Illinois River.  The event centers along both riverfronts during the late afternoon, culminating in the "Methodist Red White and Boom" fireworks spectacular after dusk.  East Peoria's Public Relations coordinator Jill Peterson is responsible for her city's evening events. Peterson says family fun and music begins at 5:00 pm at East Peoria's Riverfront Park.  A new event this year is Vertucci's Chicago Style Eats Big Dog Challenge with a $1,000 prize for the person who east the most hot dogs.  Peterson says Peoria and East Peoria will jointly hold a ceremony leading up to the "Methodist Red White and Boom".  She says East Peoria's Miss Festival of Lights will lead the "Pledge of Allegiance " and singers on the Peoria side will lead the "National Anthem".  After the Red White and Boom, live music will continue at Riverfront Park until 10:45 pm.  Peterson said the park will close at 11:00 pm.