What began as a basketball tournament has grown into a big summer event.

The annual Summer Slam is scheduled to start 1 p.m. Sunday, July 1, and is seeking food and concession vendors.

This year, the event has added a carnival that will be open from 4-8 p.m. starting June 28 and running through the main event July 1. It’s all on Salter’s Field.

With a host of local musical acts slated to take the stage on Sunday, Summer Slam producer Ernie Walthour said the public can join them from 4-8 p.m. Saturday, June 30, as they check the stage lights and microphones. A free Lowcountry boil will be available.
Entrance to the carnival and stage check is free on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Admission on Sunday is $10 per person.

The ladies of Diamond Divas and Defining Beauty will present a hair show on Sunday. At 2 p.m., the music contest and decibel drag races begin. There will be a car and motorcycle show at 3 p.m.

The live concerts start at 5 p.m. featuring Milkk Mann, Lil Bun, Dirty Red, Dirty Dollars, J Smooth, Fireboy and more. Kenya Cabine of Savannah’s hip-hop radio station E93 will be a featured guest.

Radio stations E93 and Hinesville’s WOAH 106.3 FM are offering tickets.

Walthour said 25,000-30,000 people are expected to attend.

For information on vendor booths, call 980-4559.