Dirt will be turned to mud inside Myers Park behind Wal-Mart in anticipation for the sixth annual Mudstock.

What better way to keep cool than to thoroughly saturate oneself with handfuls of cool-to-the-touch mud?

The popular drug-free event will be held from noon-3 p.m., Saturday, July 18.

The event is free to all Carthage students. But remember — all children 12 years and under must have a parent or guardian on the grounds with them at all times.

Mudstock is organized by The Alliance of Southwest Missouri, which took over the mud-spattered festivities in 2008.

So what exactly is Mudstock?

It’s not a concert, but it is all about having fun, but with mud. And inside this sucking mud will be an obstacle course that includes rope swings, mud pits, mud hills and so much more. It’s the one time out of the year where parents can’t get mad at their kids for “playing” in the mud.

The following groups are significantly contributing to this event: The Alliance of Southwest Missouri, The Carthage Police Department, Carthage R-9 Community 2000, the Missouri Army National Guard, the Carthage Fire Dept., the Carthage Parks and Recreation Dept., McCune Brooks Hospital, Carthage Ambulance, Carthage Caring Communities and the Teen Scene Council.

Here are some important notes to remember:

• Again, it’s free!

• A parent/guardian must sign a permission form first (these forms will be available at the event)

• If 12 years or younger, a parent/guardian must stay on the Mudstock grounds while their children participate, so yeah, you’re going to get muddy, too!

• You must wear a shirt, shorts or pants, socks and shoes (no sandals)

• Most importantly of all, have fun.

For more information, contact The Alliance of Southwest Missouri at 358-3270.