America’s birthday celebration with dance, parade, and events
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The Independence Day celebration in Sequatchie County is always special, but this year’s event is even bigger with America’s 250th being recognized.
The Sequatchie County Rescue Squad, sponsors of the parade through Dunlap, announced the theme for the July 4 parade as “Happy Birthday America.”
Rescue Squad Captain Michael Scoggins explained parade participants are asked to enter the Sequatchie Fair building site through Dell Trail. The parade begins at 9:00 a.m.
“Those riding off-road vehicles need to wear a helmet if they’re under age 18,” Scoggins added.
Each year for decades, the parade has been filled with floats, band members, classic vehicles, fire trucks, ball teams, and pageant winners, while kids eagerly await the candy thrown. Parents are encouraged to keep watch of the children as the parade proceeds south to Rankin Avenue then east onto Cherry Street as they retrieve the candy.
At 10:30 a.m. at the Sequatchie County Courthouse, an official Sequatchie County time capsule will be locked for 50 years until its 2076 reopening. The Sequatchie County-Dunlap Chamber of Commerce is seeking connections to give a glimpse of current life, community traditions, and local heritage. Items must be relatively small and durable. Letters to the future are also sought. Submissions must be received by June 25. For more information, contact the Chamber at 423-949-7608.
The 12th annual City of Dunlap Music Festival begins at Harris Park as the parade winds down. Performances on the stage include local favorites and a chart topping musician with fondly remembered hits.
Scheduled for the festival are The Werewolves of Landon, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Legacy, 2:45 to 3:30 p.m.; Bill Hatfield and The Wild Wind Band, 4:00 to 4:45; Hannah Danley, 5:15 to 5:45; Cody McCarver, 6:00 to 7:00; and headliner John Waite, 7:30 to 9:00.
As a solo artist and leading the groups The Babys and Bad English, Waite’s recordings include “Isn’t It Time,” “Every Time I Think of You,” “Price of Love,” and “Change.” Two songs, “Missing You” and “When I See You Smile,” made it to #1 on the Billboard pop charts.
There is no admission charged to attend the festival, and attendees can bring their own chair or blanket to sit and enjoy the music. VIP seating is available for $20. For more information, call Dunlap City Hall at 423-2115.
Starting at 2:00 p.m., Dunlap Restaurant hosts the second annual Logan Cartwright Burnout Competition. Participants have a $20 entry with all proceeds donated to the Sequatchie County High School auto mechanics class. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be available at the event.
The holiday closes with the popular fireworks show over Dunlap at approximately 9:00 p.m.
On Friday, June 3, the Independence Day celebrations begin with the Freedom Street Dance. Camden Smith opens the free music event at the corner of Cherry Street and Walnut Street at 5:00 p.m., followed by Neon Moon: The Ultimate 90s Country Band.
“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,” street dance committee member Daniel McGovern said.
