Grand Funk Railroad
There are July 4 celebrations throughout the region as part of America250 recognition, as well as other events planned during the summer.
Bristol, Virginia, hosts the Symphony of the Mountains July 3 at 7:30 p.m. in Cumberland Square Park. Bristol Virginia/Tennessee hosts its Fourth of July celebration in Anderson Street Park, Bristol, Tennessee. Both events are free.
In Abingdon, Virginia, there will be an evening of games and festivities at the Meadows Sports Complex, beginning at 6 p.m., including a bike parade, a foam pit and other activities for children. These are followed by the Tams in concert at a beach party (with real sand) from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Fireworks are the finale event at 9:30 p.m., at Veterans Memorial Park.
Scott County is hosting a party July 3 at Legion Field, Gate City, Virginia. The events begin at 8 a.m. with a 5K and three-on-three cornhole and pickleball tournaments. Opening Ceremonies are held at 11 a.m. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., music, kids’ activities, vendors, food trucks and more are available. Concert begins at 6 p.m. Dave Eggar and Bristol Lightning open, followed by Folk Soul Revival. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m.
Jonesborough Days is held July 3 and 4 in downtown Jonesborough, Tennessee. This exuberant musical celebration features a 35-piece brass band and special guests celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Other events include a kick-off dinner, parade, classic car show, market, storytellers and musicians at the Jackon Theatre, Moon Pie eating contest, fireworks and more.
Elizabethton, Tennessee’s Independence Day celebration is held at Covered Bridge Park from 4-9:30 p.m. The evening includes inflatables, pageants, music and fireworks. Music begins at 7:30 p.m.
Johnson City, Tennessee, hosts a day of events July 4 at Freedom Hall. The day includes music, food trucks and other activities concluding with a fireworks celebration.
Kingsport, Tennessee, holds its Red, White and Boom Independence Day Celebration on Main Street in downtown Kingsport, July 4 beginning at 5 p.m. The event features food trucks, a hot dog eating contest, fireworks, music and more. Grand Funk Railroad headlines the entertainment. Fireworks follow the concert and begin at 9:45 p.m.
Later in July, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, Elizabethton, Tennessee, holds Independence on the Frontier, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Unleashing the Wolf is held July 24-26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at William King Museum of Art, Abingdon, Virginia, when they celebrate the legend of Wolf Hills with the opening of a triennial outdoor sculpture exhibition and the opening of their lower campus. The event features tours, activities, nature trails and gardens.
More information about Semiquincentennial events can be found on www.va250.org and www.tn250.com.
