This weekend, our nation will celebrate the 233rd anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The day is usually marked with cookouts, fireworks, red-white-and-blue bunting, and patriotic displays that entertain both kids and grown-ups alike. If you can’t make it to our Nation’s Capital this weekend for the fun, check out what you can do in your own backyard…
Gatlinburg Midnight Independence Day Parade – Join 100,000 spectators for this decades-old parade, led by a reenactment of FDR’s presidential motorcade of 1940. Floats, bands, balloons and other entertainments will follow the motorcade, and pre-parade festivities will also be available.
Let Freedom Sing! In Nashville – Head to Riverfront Park in Nashville for a full day of concerts, entertainments and family fun. The grand finale is a show-stopping fireworks display, accompanied by the Nashville Symphony Orchestra.
Pops on the River, Chattanooga – Coolidge Park is the site of a festive 4th of July concert in Chattanooga. Visitors can bring lawn chairs and blankets, and food is available on site.
Memphis has so many local July 4th festivities planned that there’s an entire list of them here, at About.com
Jonesborough Days – July 3-5 marks this historic town’s festival, called “Red Rockets, White Lies and Bluegrass.” More than 30,000 people come to enjoy this party each year.
Smithville Fiddler’s Jamboree and Crafts Festival – The 38th annual Jamboree and Festival are July 3-4. Musicians, craftspeople and spectators from around the world come to celebrate our nation’s birthday in this small southern town.
