ROGERSVILLE — Despite a 90 degree forecast and 40 percent chance of rain, Rogersville Fourth of July Celebration organizers are preparing for their biggest crowd ever Wednesday at the City Park.
For more than two decades, the non-profit Rogersville Fourth of July Celebration Committee has raised funds to bring a headline musical performance to the City Park free of admission on the Fourth of July.
In recent years attendance had reached 30,000, but last year with “The Band Perry” performing attendance was estimated around 50,000.
Committee Chairman Dr. Blaine Jones said the 23rd annual Rogersville Fourth of July Celebration may even top that attendance record thanks to a free concert by two chart-topping groups including “The Eli Young Band” which currently has the No. 4 song on the country Billboard charts with “Even if It Breaks Your Heart.”
Opening for The Eli Young Band is MercyMe, which currently has the No. 1 song on the Christian Billboard Chart with “The Hurt & the Healer.”
“That is an awesome lineup if I must say so myself,” Jones said. “There are not many places in America you are going to get that high quality of entertainment for free.”
Wednesday’s celebration is an all-day event starting at 7 a.m. with the Skelton Law Series “Firecracker 4 Miler” footrace through historic downtown Rogersville.
Hundreds have already registered for the contest.
A 3-on-3 basketball tournament begins in the park at 9 a.m., followed by a traditional Independence Day parade through downtown Rogersville at noon; and then all the entertainment and events shift to the Rogersville City Park begin at 1 p.m.
The Kids Zone sponsored by Christ Fellowship will open at 1 p.m. with at least 10 inflatable rides free for the kids to use.
Camp Hope will be sponsoring Water Wars; the Tennessee Army National Guard will have their Rock Climbing Wall; and the City Pool will be open for free swimming.
Free entertainment begins at 1 p.m. with the main attractions MercyMe at 6:30 p.m. and the Eli Young Band at 8:30 pm.
The day concludes with what Jones describes as “one of the largest fireworks shows in the South” orchestrated by Bob Smith and Dynamic Effects & Fireworks at 10 p.m.
“The day is a free except for the food, drinks, souvenirs and T-shirts,” Jones said.
“These are a few of the ways the Fourth of July Committee raises funds to pay for the event. We are still seeking donations and sponsors if interested.”
Anyone may send a donation to Four Square, Inc., c/o Rogersville 4th of July Celebration, P.O. Box 35, Rogersville, TN 37857.
To be a sponsor, call Dr. Blaine Jones at 423-272-3150.
Volunteers are also still needed to help in the Kids Zone.
If you would like to volunteer to help, call Missy Gillenwater at 423-754-2691.