Red, White & Blue. There is something so exciting about this time of year. I love Patriotism. The Shoppes have been brimming with flags, flowers, and decor for weeks. With the 4th just a day away, my wish is that you have a joyous time with family and friends, whether out watching fireworks or at home hearing the booms!
In years gone by, Knoxville’s Fourth of July celebrations began with a mix of traditional festivities like parades and cannon salutes (yes, cannons), and gatherings like banquets, reflecting the broader national trend of commemorating Independence Day. The city’s celebrations mirrored the nationwide movement to make the holiday a federal holiday, though it took time for this to be fully realized.
The earliest July 4th celebrations, both nationally and in Knoxville, often involved public readings of the Declaration of Independence, followed by parades, cannon fire, and other symbolic acts. In Knoxville, these early celebrations included a “federal salute” fired with cannons at 2:00 PM, which was the time of the document’s ratification. This was followed by a banquet at 4:00 PM, where toasts were raised to significant figures, including the Governor.
The Fourth of July transitioned from a state holiday in Massachusetts (1781) to a federal holiday in 1870, and finally to a paid federal holiday in 1938.
Today, Knoxville continues to celebrate with a variety of events, including fireworks displays, festivals, and patriotic songs, showing the enduring nature of the holiday’s traditions.
Knoxville’s annual celebration will take place on the 4th at World’s Fair Park, featuring live music, food vendors, and fireworks. The event runs from 5-10 p.m. and includes activities like axe throwing and mini-golf. The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra will perform at 8 p.m. in the Tennessee Amphitheater, leading up to the fireworks display at approximately 9:45 p.m., which will be launched from the Henley Bridge, according to the City of Knoxville.
Other 4th of July events in Knoxville:
Mabry-Hazen House: This event includes live music, food, drinks, tours of the historic house, and a reading of the Declaration of Independence, with fireworks viewing opportunities.
Knoxville Smokies Baseball Game: The Knoxville Smokies will have a fireworks show after their game at their new stadium in the Old City.
Sunsphere Events: Offers a private viewing of the city’s fireworks display for a fee.
There are, of course, events all over East Tennessee showing the Patriotism of our area. One of the premier events of East Tennessee, for that matter, all of Tennessee, is the celebration in Gatlinburg.
50th Annual 4th of July Midnight Parade – July 3 – Downtown Gatlinburg – 11:59 p.m.: This iconic event draws tens of thousands of visitors every year.
No other city is as Patriotic as Gatlinburg during the 4th of July as they celebrate in a big way with the very first Independence Day Parade in the nation. Gatlinburg’s Annual Fourth of July Midnight Parade has been named a Top Ten Parade to see in the US by National Geographic Traveler Magazine and as one of the Five Best Fourth of July Celebrations in Smaller Cities by Livability.com. Gatlinburg also hosts other events like Gatlinburg’s River Raft Regatta and the 4th of July Fireworks and Drone Show, plus you will find many other Gatlinburg businesses celebrating this holiday with many festive 4th of July events.
During this time, the streets of Gatlinburg are filled with Appalachian music from Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales, and be sure to take advantage of the free Gatlinburg Trolley.
Plus, on July 3rd, Pop-Up Shows featuring Logan Crosby in Downtown Gatlinburg from 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. This event starts at the Ole Smoky Holler, but after that, it becomes a scavenger hunt with Crosby popping up at surprise locations across town.
Designated a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society, join the celebration in downtown Gatlinburg as the city lights up the mountain skyline with to mark our nation’s “Independence Day” with animated 200 drones show featuring patriotic themes launching from the top of the Convention Center and spectacular fireworks finale from the Gatlinburg Space Needle. The Drone Show will start at approximately 9:50 PM, displaying 12 scenes over approximately 10 10-minute spans, with the fireworks starting at 10:00 PM.
So, no matter how you celebrate, celebrate!!
Thanks, friends, enjoy the weekend!
Bev