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Bledsoe Telephone Cooperative's float honoring the soldiers of the 278th Armored Calvary Regiment was a winner during the annual Independence Day celebration in downtown Dunlap. These children scurry to pick up candy thrown along the parade route which culminated at the Sequatchie County Courthouse.
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Sequatchie County’s annual Independence Day celebration went off with a bang, as parade and fireworks spectators filled the streets of Dunlap Saturday, July 3.
Parade participants covered the streets in candy, as children ran up to retrieve the sweets under the hot sun.
The event began just after 10:00 a.m. when pilot Gary Smith flew a military fueling plane over Rankin Avenue.
This years parade theme was “The Community Coming Together to Support the 278th.” The float winner for local businesses was Bledsoe Telephone Cooperative with its artillery tank and tribute to the 278th. Way of the Cross Church won for the community classification. The Dunlap Volunteer Fire Department won first for the civic class and Most Unusual Float went to the Coke Ovens Park and Museum.
A wide variety of events on the courthouse lawn were enjoyed by those at the parade. Everything from a water dunk tank, dart throwing and other games were available, all with live music from the band Plum Krazy. Hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, homemade ice cream and funnel cakes were offered from local civic organizations and churches.
Plum Krazy returned that evening, before the fireworks show, to perform at the Rescue Squad’s street dance. The City of Dunlap coordinated the 9:00 p.m. fireworks display, which lasted about 12 minutes. Onlookers crowded in front of the courthouse to watch.
All in all, the parade, fireworks and street dance were successes, said Sequatchie County Rescue Squad Captain Cecil Nunley.
“We had a safe parade and everyone had fun. We’re glad everyone came together and had a good time,” said Nunley.