ASHLAND -- It won't be just "Summer Motion" on the river in Ashland this week, but a summer commotion when a star from one of television's biggest shows makes a guest appearance.

Straight from Disney Channel's "Hannah Montana," Moises Arias, who stars as Rico, will be on-hand from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.

"We're not sure how we pulled it off, but this is going to be a huge draw. He'll be hanging out and signing autographs," said Chuck Charles, president of Summer Motion, the non-profit group behind the five-day Summer Motion celebration.

Summer Motion kicked off Saturday with the soap box derby and beauty pageant, but swings into high gear July 2-4 on the riverfront with food, entertainment and activities for kids. On July 5, Summer Motion moves to Ashland's Central Park. Admission is free.

"We have a terrific lineup of entertainers this year, from Kansas to Tracy Lawrence to Lady Antebellum," Charles said.

On Thursday and Friday, visitors can check out the Wings & Wheels Air Show at the boat ramp area. Independence Day is celebrated with a parade and an evening of fireworks. When the festivities move to Central Park on Saturday and Sunday, guests can divide their time between a car show, motorcycle show, crafts, a petting zoo, games for the children, contests from watermelon eating to worm racing, face painting and inflatables. Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital will provide staff members who'll be offering a variety of medical and dental screenings as well.

One especially noteworthy activity is the Bluegrass Express train, which offers rides around the park to families throughout the weekend.

"Things don't slow down when we move to the park, and you know, a lot of these vendors and participants we've used for years and years, and they're just wonderful," Charles explained.

Charles said they are planning a few extra activities with a "patriotic flavor," but added, coyly, those would have to remain a surprise.

"We're very excited about the whole thing, and we're thrilled with the commitment we see from the community to pull this off," he said. "Everybody involved realizes the importance of an event like this to the Ashland community."

A complete listing of activities, times, maps and parking information can be accessed through the Web site, www.summermotion.com.

The Herald-Dispatch

Country music act Lady Antebellum

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