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The Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department is working nonstop in preparation for the Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, July 4, at Covered Bridge Park beginning at 4 p.m. The afternoon will be filled with fun and will end with a fireworks show sponsored by Tour Carter County and the Elizabethton Chamber.

Throughout the day, guests can enjoy food, dessert, snacks and drinks from food trucks including Good Karma Kettle Corn, Fire Pizza, Side Show Station, the Cardinal Kitchen, Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ, Beba’s Rolling Meatball, Tin Can Diner, Appalachian Ice, Diggy Donuts and Tweetsie Trailing Storefront located across from Covered Bridge Park.

The afternoon will kick off with the Patriotic Pedal, a patriotic bike contest that invites participants to go all out decorating their bike with anything representing Independence Day. At 4 p.m. at Covered Bridge Park, judges will first award the top three “Best in Show” bikes. (Other non-motorized vehicles are welcome to join in the fun by decorating tricycles, wagons, strollers, scooters, etc. and enter as well.) Participation is free and no registration is required.

At 4:15 p.m., the Patriotic Pup Pageant will take place at the Covered Bridge Park Stage. Have your pup put on their best patriotic attire such as shades, hat, bowtie or more and compete for top dog prizes! Registration is free and begins at 4 p.m.

Additional activities and guests include FREE inflatables from 4-7 p.m., and all-day Magic Mirror Skin Art will be available for face paint purchases. The Elizabethton Chamber has purchased one free pre-determined patriotic face stamp per child, for those not able to purchase face paint. Please redeem this offer by visiting Magic Mirror Skin Art’s tent.

The Annual Little Miss Firecracker Pageant will be presented beginning at approximately 4:45 p.m. with trophies awarded in several age categories. Pre-registration is required and is currently on-going. Applications can be picked up at the Elizabethton Recreation Center or by calling Amy with Dancer’s Dreams Performing Arts Academy at (504) 392-9138.

Afterwards, Dancer’s Dreams Performing Arts Academy will take the stage with special dance performances from all ages in several different styles of dance.

The evening will continue with patriotic opening ceremonies, which will include the raising of the flag, patriotic tributes, and more. 

Spank! The ’80’s, your ultimate ’80’s party band, will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. for a special free performance. This ultimate party band is a crowd favorite that you don’t want to miss!

A very special fireworks finale sponsored by Tour Carter County and the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce will close out the evening. Viewing areas will be around Covered Bridge Park and Downtown Elizabethton. Make sure to bring your blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the entire day of festivities and the big fireworks finale. Food trucks will be available throughout the day and evening.