With clear skies and cool breezes, the Fourth of July weekend could not have been more perfect. Drawing record crowds, the Independence Day events in Rutherford County proved to be an opportunity for the community to reconnect and have a great time celebrating the country’s freedom. Food and friends, children playing, and dogs scampering seemed to be the theme for the weekend.
Smyrna inaugurated the celebration on Friday night. The event began with activities stretching from Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center to Lee Victory Park. There was rock climbing, face painting, hair weaving, corn hole, the new all-inclusive playground, and a jump castle for the kids while adults caught up with friends they had not seen in some time.
As the sun headed for the horizon, lawn chairs and blankets began to cover the lawns facing Smyrna Airport and Sam Ridley Parkway.
“We are very fortunate to have one of the prettiest evenings we’ve had in years,” said Fire Chief Bill Culbertson. “We missed last year due to COVID-19, so people want to be together. I think we’ll hit 10,000 people easy this year.”
Both Murfreesboro and LaVergne had their celebrations on Sunday, July 4. “Celebration Under the Stars,” presented by Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE), took place at the Fountains at Gateway. Activities began at 4:00 p.m., and the community brought picnics, blankets, and lawn chairs to listened to live music featuring The Cleverlys, which began at 7:30 p.m. on the Fountains stage. The Cleverlys are a one-of-a-kind show blending comedy and music coming from a remote part of the Ozark Mountains near Cane Spur, Arkansas.
The pyrotechnics began at 9:00 p.m. and were visible up to a half mile away.
With the beautiful weather, kids and adults enjoyed the splash pad at the Gateway, and the tasty treats served through the window at the Soda Bar.
“Celebration Under the Stars is a wonderful, family-oriented way for Murfreesboro-area residents to celebrate America’s independence,” said MTE president and CEO Chris Jones. “Middle Tennessee Electric is always happy to support the communities we serve and particularly proud to do so on the Fourth of July in our hometown.”
Mixtape, the 80s Tribute Band, got the party started in LaVergne. They really know how to get people up, dancing and celebrating the holiday. They began at 6:00 p.m. and kept everyone rocking until the fireworks began at dark.
It was a wonderful weekend for all who attended and a great opportunity for the communities to come together and have a good time after a year of quarantine due to the pandemic.
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