Johnson City, Other Cities To Stage Fireworks, More

Celebrate Independence Day throughout the Tri-Cities.
Bristol will stage Star-Spangled Saturday on July 5. However, plenty more local options exist for marking America’s day of independence.
Pepsi-Cola of Johnson City offers the 23rd Annual Independence Day Celebration on the grounds of Freedom Hall in Johnson City on July 4.
Downtown Kingsport Association presents its July 4th Celebration on Main and Broad streets. Also, Jonesborough offers the 38th Annual Jonesborough Days from July 4-6.
“It’s an event for the whole family,” said Patti Alley, events coordinator for the Downtown Kingsport Association. “Bring your lawn chairs, but leave your pets and coolers at home.”
Dogs can bite, even the usually friendly family dog, which sometimes do not react well to large crowds of people. And Alley said if previous Fourth of July celebrations in Kingsport are an indication, this year’s turnout should prove sizeable.
“It’s a huge crowd,” Alley said. “Last year, we had somewhere between 20,000 and 25,000.”
Look for about three times that in Johnson City for its Fourth of July celebration, said Bobbie Shirley, box office manager for Freedom Hall.
Scheduled to start at about 5:45 in the afternoon, Johnson City’s events include music from April Taylor and performances by The Dance Company.
“Lots of good fun,” Shirley said. “We have a flyover from the military. There will be a lot of good food and entertainment, a good old time.”
Entertainment includes demonstrations by the Johnson City Fire Department. Six members of company number three’s rope rescue team will rappel from the gigantic Science Hill water tower throughout the day.
“It’s about 170 feet high. It gets your attention,” said Sgt. Ed Haynes of the Johnson City Fire Department, who numbers among the firemen who will rappel from the tower. “It’s an adrenaline getter.”
A short drive away in Jonesborough no one will rappel during the annual Jonesborough Days, but they sure will experience loads of entertainment. This year’s theme, “Farmin’ on the Fourth,” emphasizes the area’s rich farming heritage.
Jonesborough Days gets a jump on other celebrations by starting with a kickoff dinner for $10 at 5:15 p.m. July 1, followed on July 2 by a gospel music concert. The parade commences on July 4 at 10 a.m.
Music resounds throughout each Independence Day celebration. In addition to April Taylor, Johnson City also offers performances by the Greenbriar Bluegrass Band.
Jonesborough features acts such as Adam Larkey and Trey Hensley. Kingsport includes Full Circle and the happy-go-lucky sounds of Southern Culture on the Skids.
“They are fantastic and so much fun to watch,” Alley said of Southern Culture on the Skids.
And of course fireworks – each Fourth of July event will end with an alighting of the night sky.
“You can’t have a Fourth of July without fireworks,” Alley said.
Kingsport will fire up the fireworks at about 9:45. Johnson City will light theirs at approximately 9:55, while Jonesborough fires away on July 5 at 10 p.m. outside the Jonesborough Visitors Center.
“It is amazing. People can see them all over [Johnson City] from different locations,” Shirley said. “But there’s something about seeing them right here on the grounds.”
Take your pick. Be it in Bristol, Kingsport, Johnson City or Jonesborough, the Fourth of July gathers communities together for flag-waving fun.
“Bring your lawn chair. Bring your family. Enjoy the day,” Alley said. “Count on a red, white and blue day.”

IF YOU GO
JOHNSON CITY
What: Johnson City’s 23rd Annual Independence Day Celebration Schedule
When: July 4
5:45-8 p.m.: Music by April Taylor and The Greenbriar Bluegrass Band
8 p.m.: Armed forces color guard presents colors
8:15 p.m.: Military flyover
9:15 p.m.: Drawing for a 2008 Ford F150 truck and welcome speech by Johnson City mayor Phil Roe
9:55 p.m.: Fireworks
Where: Freedom Hall grounds, 1320 Pactolas Road, Johnson City, Tenn.
Tickets: Free
Info: (423) 461-4884
Web: http://www.pepsi-fireworks.com

JONESBOROUGH
What: 38th Annual Jonesborough Days
When: July 1, 5:15 p.m.: Kickoff dinner in main stage tent with music by the Jonesborough Novelty Band; $10; call (423) 752-1010
July 2, 6:30 p.m.: Soulful gospel music offered free of charge, headlined by singer Doug Richesin and including music by a Christian rock band in the main stage tent
July 4, 10 a.m.: Parade followed by day of music and activities, such as a petting zoo along with a farmer’s market and crafts
July 5, 10 p.m.: Fireworks accompanied by the music of the Johnson City Community Concert Band outside the Jonesborough Visitors Center
Where: Downtown Jonesborough, Tenn.
Tickets: Free for most events, $10 for kickoff dinner
Info: (423) 753-1030 and (423) 752-1010
Web: http://www.jonesboroughtn.org

KINGSPORT
What: Kingsport July 4th Celebration
When: July 4
5-8 p.m.: Kids zone
6-9:45 p.m.: Music by Full Circle and Southern Culture on the Skids
9:45 p.m.: Fireworks
Where: Main and Broad streets, Kingsport, Tenn.
Tickets: Free
Info: (423) 246-0771

TOM NETHERLAND is a freelance writer. He can be reached at .