Dance like it’s the 90s at the Freedom Street Dance
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
First held in 1956, the Independence Day street dance returns to downtown Dunlap on Friday, July 3 with live music, fun, and fellowship. Last’s year event, the first in nearly 14 years, was a big success with many positive responses, organizers said.
The holiday weekend kickoff, now known as the Freedom Street Dance, features free live music with headliner Neon Moon: The Ultimate 90s Country Band. Special guest Camden Smith opens the music at 5:00 p.m. The Freedom Street Dance takes place at the corner of Cherry Street and Walnut Street.
“The Freedom Street Dance was reignited in 2025 and brought back a tradition started in 1956,” explained event committee member Daniel McGlothen. “The original street dance became a staple event in the Dunlap community over many years of the 20th century.”
McGovern added, “Our community has asked for it for years. Organizing an event like this takes a lot of preparation and funding. We’re blessed to have local sponsors that help us. We take a lot of pride funding the street dance with 100 percent local sponsors and donors. We want to build the Freedom Street Dance into the biggest event in Dunlap.”
The evening includes dancing, food vendors, lemonade and snow cone vendors, beer vendors and more, with a worthy cause aided.
“During the event, donations are accepted on behalf of The Josh Kell Memorial Foundation, a local non-profit that gifts scholarships to local schools and funds to the Melanoma Research Foundation. It was founded in memory of Josh Kell,” McGovern said.
Kell was a 2001 graduate of Sequatchie County High School and enlisted into the Marine Corps in 2002 to serve his country. Towards the end of his service, Josh was diagnosed with Melanoma.
“During his cancer journey, life went on,” McGovern said. “Due to a medical hold, he served one more year in the Marine Corps and made the rank of Sergeant. Josh died October 3, 2008, surrounded by his family in his home. Having the Kell family and their foundation involved gives this event a stronger purpose and puts the spotlight on Josh Kell’s life. Donations are greatly appreciated.”
Follow Freedom Street Dance Dunlap TN on Facebook.
