For the past week, the two grocery stores in Perry have been competing to see who can come out on top in this year’s Fireworks Drive Round-Up Fundraiser.

While Fareway will wrap up their efforts tomorrow, Hy-Vee will continue through Memorial Day. To help the latter keep up the momentum, Raccoon Valley Radio’s Big Red Radio will be paying the store a visit Saturday morning. Much like last weekend at Fareway, we will be broadcasting live and playing music in the Hy-Vee parking lot to help shine a spotlight on the fundraising efforts. Each year, the two stores go head-to-head in a friendly competition conducted by the Perry Chamber of Commerce, to see who can raise the most in a round-up fundraiser. Shoppers are asked at the register to round their total up to the nearest dollar and beyond, with the remainder donated to the Perry Fourth of July fireworks display.

Fareway has never lost the contest, though Hy-Vee has closed the gap in recent years. Hy-Vee Store Director Matt Rohe says he would love to win the bragging rights, though he emphasizes that it’s all in good fun and for a cause both stores support. “Well I think it definitely raises the level, and just keeps us both on our toes and pushing and motivated. You know obviously the motivation itself is to do our part and to make sure we can raise the funds to get a great fireworks show in Perry. But it also just keeps us motivated as a friendly competition and (to) try our best.”

The Big Red Radio will be at Hy-Vee tomorrow from 9 a.m. – noon. Rohe adds, Hy-Vee will be offering a barbeque rib lunch starting at 10, which will cost $12 for a full rack and $2 from each sale will go towards the fundraiser. To learn more about this and other Perry Chamber events, listen to today’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program on air and at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.