It’s almost The Fourth and there’s lots in store
Communities all across Anderson County will celebrate July 4 in a big way this year.
The City of Clinton will host activities at both ball fields starting at 5 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., culminating in a fireworks extravaganza at 10 p.m. There will be live music by Randy Woody and Southbound Band, and many food trucks, including Bananagans, Coldwater Farms, Dave’s Dog House, Holy Smokin’ BBQ, Maw and Paw’s Ole Time Treats, and Sweet P’s Snow Cones. They will be set up in the lakefront parking lot by the tennis court area on Charles Seivers Boulevard in the center of Clinton.
This year’s fireworks will take place at the south end of Carden Farm Industrial Park. The prime viewing area, according to Clinton Police, will be at Lakefront Park. Parking will be handicap only and limited due to the construction being done on the bridge, according to Clinton Police Lt. Danielle Alexander.
Clinton Police Department will work the intersections of Charles Seivers Boulevard at Main Street and Broad Street to help citizens crossing the boulevard, according to Alexander.
There will be bounce houses, a climbing wall, water slides, an obstacle course and laser tag, among other activities for the kids.
In Norris, the city will celebrate Norris Day. The Norris Lions Club will offer a barbecue dinner from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tickets for the dinner are $8 and can be purchased at Archers grocery and Vega Cafe and Smokehaus in Norris, or from any Lions Club member. Call Jennifer Hayes at 865-494-7502 to purchase tickets or for more information.
Norris Day will start at 8:30 a.m. with a Firecracker Road Run for ages 6 and up in the Commons area in front of Norris Middle School. Registration for a kids’ dog show is also at 8:30 a.m. The day’s events will include inflatables, a water slide, a “many-wheels race,” a decorated bicycle contest and more. The evening events begin at 5:45 p.m. with a concert at 7 p.m. and fireworks beginning around 9:15 p.m.
The Museum of Appalachia will host an anvil shoot from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. The shoot involves launching 200-pound anvils hundreds of feet into the air with gunpowder.
According to a press release from the Museum of Appalachia, the anvil shoot is the centerpiece of an all-day celebration that includes a bell-ringing ceremony, flag procession, live music and Southern food.
In Rocky Top, the events of the day will take place at the George Templin Athletic Field (214 N. Main St., Rocky Top). There will be live music, food, a children’s parade, car and bike shows and games.
Registration for the parade begins at 3 p.m. at Suntrust in Rocky Top, and the parade itself starts at 4 p.m.
Fireworks begin at 10 p.m.
In Oak Ridge, the Oak Ridge Community Band will host a concert at A.K. Bissell Park prior to the fireworks display. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks will begin around 9:45 p.m.
