Celebrate July 4 and America’s 250th in Dunlap
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From a street dance in downtown Dunlap to the public reading of the Declaration of Independence, a number of events are taking place in Sequatchie County and Dunlap for the July 4 celebration and America’s 250th.
Independence Day activities begin Friday, July 3, with the Freedom Street Dance. Camden Smith opens the free music at the corner of Cherry Street and Walnut Street at 5:00 p.m., followed by Neon Moon: The Ultimate 90s Country Band.
The dance is a fundraiser for 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, a Marine and SCHS alumni. Entry is free and donations are accepted. Assorted food and drinks are available during the event.
With July 4 on a Saturday and the county’s population continuing to grow, this year’s Independence Day Parade may be the most attended yet. The parade’s theme is “Happy Birthday America,” said Michael Scoggins, captain of the parade sponsor, the Sequatchie County Rescue Squad.
Parade participants are asked to enter the starting point, the Sequatchie County Fair building, through Dell Trail. The parade begins at 9:00 a.m. running southward on Rankin Avenue, turning east onto Cherry Street.
Floats, band members, classic vehicles, fire trucks, ball teams, candidates, and horses are expected to be in the parade lineup. ATV and motorcycle riders under age 18 must wear a helmet, Scoggins added.
Kids eagerly await the candy thrown from the parade floats. Parents are encouraged to watch of their children, keeping them getting too far out in the roadway.
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. For more information on the time capsule and what can be included in it, contact the Chamber at 423-949-7608.
An added point of interest will be the opening of a time capsule from 1976. Memories from 50 years ago will be brought back to life.
Later on Independence Day, local Veterans will be ringing a bell as part of the National Bell Festival taking place across America. At 1:50 p.m. at Harris Park, the bell will ring 13 tolls for the original 13 colonies.
The 12th annual City of Dunlap Music Festival begins at Harris Park as the parade winds down. 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 cost for the festival. Bring your own chair or enjoy VIP seating for $20. To reserve your seat or for more information, call Dunlap City Hall at 423-2115.
Starting at 2:00 p.m. on July 4, Dunlap Restaurant hosts the second annual Logan Cartwright Burnout Competition. Participants pay a $20 entry with all proceeds going to the Sequatchie County High School auto mechanics class. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be available at the event. There is no charge for admission and donations are accepted.
July 4 closes with the popular fireworks show at approximately 9:00 p.m., but activities renew July 8. A reading of the Declaration of Independence is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. at the Sequatchie County Courthouse.
