The sound of cannon fire will signal the unveiling of 22 new sculptures in Downtown Salina on Saturday for Sculpture Tour Salina.

It’s the sixth year for a tradition that continues to bring new art and conversations about art into downtown.

“It really does add some flair to the community and part of the reason that we do it is to bring people to the downtown area,” said Mike Hoppock, Chairman with Sculpture Tour Salina.

Hoppock joined in on the KSAL Morning News with a look at what’s coming up Saturday.

“It’s a community effort, we have great sponsors. We also have the ‘Friends of Sculpture Tour’ where people donate to,” he said. “Without those this would not happen because it’s privately funded.”

Hoppock told the audience to listen for cannon fire at 11am, “Boo Hodges – he’s like a little kid, he gets to come out and shoot his cannon.”

“I have a feeling it will go off more than once,” he said.

The kickoff of the walking sculpture tour, will be highlighted by live music in Campbell Plaza, balloons, popcorn, and airbrush tattoos.

Visitors to downtown are encouraged to pick up a ballot – and vote for their favorite sculpture on Saturday, or any day before the December 31,  2016 deadline.

Hoppock added that of the 100 or more pieces of art that have been on display since the program began in 2011, 22 of them have been sold to the City, private collectors and area businesses.

Other than purchasing the People’s Choice winner, Sculpture Tour Salina is entirely privately funded.

Multiple sculptures are temporarily displayed in the downtown area for a year.

Each sculpture is for sale, with the City of Salina purchasing the People’s Choice winner for permanent display.