Large crowd floods downtown for Independence Day Celebration

STAR CORRESPONDENT

Each year, the Fourth of July Independence Day Celebration at Covered Bridge Park in Elizabethton continues to grow larger, with an evening of music, food, and fireworks creating new memories for the thousands in attendance.

The crowd began showing up around 4 p.m. for several pre-music and fireworks events, including the Patriotic Bike, Patriotic Pup, and Miss Firecracker pageants, along with clogging, recognition of those present who served in the military, the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem, and other parts of the patriotic program leading up to the night’s main events.

Food trucks were overwhelmed by the large crowd, as lines were long with people waiting to get their taste of fresh fire pizza, meatballs, hotdogs, meatloaf sandwiches, popcorn, snow cones, and more.

SPANK – The 80’s Band took to the stage around 7:30 p.m. and entertained the crowd for nearly two hours, with many in the crowd making requests during their set. Although not all requests could be fulfilled, the band played some classics from the ’80s era that had the crowd dancing and singing along.

As time for the fireworks approached, the park’s lights were turned off, and fireworks sponsored by Tour Carter County and the Elizabethton-Carter County Chamber of Commerce were launched from the Doe River Bridge, lasting for several minutes. A highlight of the fireworks display was when two gas mine explosions were ignited, much to the crowd’s delight.

Many people were overheard making rave remarks about the fireworks, which continue to grow each year. “Last year’s fireworks were great and I don’t know how you all did it, but this year’s were even better,” said local Pastor Jody Bewley. “Long live the fireball! A great job by the City of Elizabethton!”

Many also took to the City’s Facebook page, where the show was streamed live, to praise the evening’s fireworks, with one person even tuning in from Texas to watch the festivities.

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