Country music star and Eustis native Michael Ray will return to his hometown to headline the City of Eustis’ annual Hometown Celebration as the community kicks off America’s 250th anniversary on Friday, July 3, at Ferran Park.

Ray will take the stage at 8 p.m., bringing his chart-topping country hits back to the city where his musical journey began. Since launching his career in Nashville, he has earned national recognition with songs including Kiss You in the Morning, Think a Little Less, One That Got Away and Whiskey and Rain.

His performance serves as the centerpiece of this year’s free, family-friendly celebration, which city officials say will be the largest Hometown Celebration to date.

Festivities begin at 4 p.m. with a performance by Central Florida cover band The 789’s on the Alice McClelland Bandshell stage. The group, recently nominated for Orlando Weekly’s Best Cover Band, will perform a mix of classic rock, pop and disco favorites from the 1970s through the 1990s.

At 5 p.m., the Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team will perform on Lake Eustis, showcasing synchronized skiing, high-flying jumps, human pyramids and other stunts. The nationally recognized team features regional and national champions, as well as multiple world record holders.

Visitors can also explore the historic Clifford House Museum and Gardens from 2 to 5:30 p.m., offering a look at Eustis’ history before the evening festivities begin.

Following Ray’s performance, the celebration will conclude with what organizers describe as the largest fireworks display in the event’s history, illuminating the skies over Lake Eustis.

The annual Hometown Celebration is free and open to the public, with food vendors, craft vendors, family activities and live entertainment scheduled throughout the day.

For more information, visit Eustis.org.

Schedule of Events:

• Clifford House Open                       2 – 5:30 p.m.
• Pool Open                                           12 – 4 p.m.
• Food & Craft Vendors                    4 – 10 p.m.
• Family Fun Zone                               4 – 10 p.m.
• Live Music – The 789’s                  4 – 5 p.m.
• Patriotic Stilt Walkers                     5 – 9 p.m.
• Water Ski Show                                5 – 5:45 p.m.
• Live Music – The 789’s                  6 – 7:30 p.m.
• Live Music – Michael Ray             8 – 9:30 p.m.
• National Anthem                             9:30 p.m. performed by Christina Vukel
• Fireworks Display                            9:30 – 10 p.m.