By Mike Steely

 

You probably already know of Knoxville’s Festival on the Fourth happening this Friday at World’s Fair Park, but there are lots of Independent Day celebrations going on in our area as well.

 

Gatlinburg kicks off Independence Day early Friday morning with its midnight “First July Fourth Parade in the Nation!” and will end its festivities with fireworks downtown at 10 p.m. on the 4th.

 

Pigeon Forge features live music and fireworks on the 4th at Patriot Park.

 

Lenoir City celebrates the holidays with “Rockin’ The Docks” on July 5 with music starting at 5 p.m. and fireworks at 10 p.m.

 

Jefferson City has a parade from 2-4 p.m. starting at Main and Russell Streets.

 

White Pine is hosting a FreedomFest and Clinton celebrates at the Museum of Appalachia with an Anvil Shoot and fireworks at Lake Front Park.

 

Sweetwater is having a 5K Run starting at 8 a.m. on the 4th.

 

Oak Ridge has a Community Band concert at 7:30 p.m. at A.K. Bissell Park followed at 10 p.m. with fireworks.