RED HOUSE — Spend a fun summer evening at the Red House Beach Area as Allegany State Park hosts its annual Beach Party Friday.

All are invited to the free event, 5–9 p.m., featuring live music and kids’ activities at the Red House beach area, including games, a sand castle contest, a Limbo contest and more.

Carrie Busekist, Environmental Educator 2 for the Allegany Region, said the entertainment kicks off at 6 p.m. with Kevin McCarthy, a 2009 Buffalo Music Hall of Fame inductee. McCarthy will give an acoustic guitar performance and is likely to grant song requests.

McCarthy is one of Western New York’s most sought-after entertainers. He is one of the founders of the band McCarthyizm, which has shared the stage with such bands as The 10,000 Maniacs and The Goo Goo Dolls.

As a solo artist, McCarthy has played all over the United States, Canada and beyond. His energy and interactive show will have everyone out of their seats and dancing.

People in the dancing mode will have the opportunity to show off their Limbo A-game from the southeastern Caribbean Sea. Limbo and sand castle contest winners announced at 7:30 p.m.

“This family-friendly event will also feature activities for all ages, including lawn games and crafts for kids,” Busekist said.

The “Ask the Naturalist” table will feature some interactive displays where park naturalists will be on hand to answer visitors’ questions about the park’s flora and fauna.

“‘Ask the Naturalist’ provides an exciting opportunity to talk with our environmental educators and ask questions about all things nature in and around the park,” Busekist added.

Families can sign up for the sand castle contest and put their creativity to the test, Busekist said. Participants must sign up at the Naturalists’ table. Building starts at 5 p.m. and continues through 7:30.

Red House Beach will be open for swimming from 11 a.m. through 6:30 p.m. People should bring lawn chairs or blankets and can pack a picnic supper if they wish. Busekist said concessionaire Allegany Hospitality will have the snack bar at the beach open until at least 6:30 with the possibility of extended hours.

“There are picnic tables available in and around the beach area. People are more than welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets,” she said. “Concessions will be open, but they are welcome to bring their own food as well.”

Guests are welcome to enjoy a relaxed evening of family fun and music under the stars. For more information, call (716) 379-6941 or visit the Allegany State Park Facebook page.