Fun Ways to Celebrate Independence Day 2017

It’s a long holiday weekend, and people around the area are looking to celebrate Independence Day in a way that is fun and memorable. Whether you are trying to entertain the kids, keep family and friends from out of town occupied, or want to try something new in your own celebrations, there are plenty of events around the area to meet these needs and more.

If you are looking to do something a bit more local there are several events taking place around our area. Dandridge will be holding its annual Shakin’ the Lake Event this Monday night. The event itself will take place at the Point Marina and will have food and activities for the kids starting in the afternoon. The band Chillbillies will be featured, and the fireworks display will start around 9:30.

Jefferson City will be holding its annual Fourth of July parade. The event will happen in the middle of downtown Jefferson City around 2 p.m. on the holiday. White Pine will be holding Freedom Fest from 11:00 to 3:00 pm in downtown White Pine. The event is a community outreach program of a local church, Freedom Fellowship. The event will feature inflatables, water slides, saw dust digging, corn hole, and plenty of food. The event is open to the public, free, and family-friendly.

If you are looking to drive slightly farther for your Independence Day celebrations, there are still several options around the area. Knoxville will be holding its annual Festival on the Forth. The free event will take place at World’s Fair Park on the holiday. From 4-8 p.m. they will have the Regal’s Kid Zone which is sure to please kids of all ages with numerous activities provided by companies around the community. There will also be several bands at the event. Beginning at 4:15 the cover band The Temper Evans Band will take the stage, followed by Airlifter Band at 6:00, and ending with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra at 8:00 pm. Fireworks will follow after at 9:42 p.m.

Gatlinburg will hold its 42nd annual Midnight Parade in the middle of downtown Gatlinburg from 11:00 pm to 1:00 am. Several streets will be closed, so city officials urge residents to know appropriate detours. Pigeon Forge will be holding its annual Patriot Festival at Patriot Park. The event is free and open to the public, and begins around 1:30 p.m. at Patriot Park. The Festival will feature headliners Thompson Square, and will also have a Veterans tribute, the Pigeon Forge Community Chorus, and fireworks. Organizers want to remind the community that the event is family-friendly, and they are welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs and stay awhile.

There are numerous events going on around the area to help you celebrate your Independence Day the right way. Take the holiday to spend with those that you love and remind yourself of the great sacrifices made in the name of our freedom.