Enjoy These 4th of July Festivities On or Near the Water
Every holiday has its own unique flavor—and the Fourth of July is no exception. What would the celebration of our independence be without barbeque, parades, and, of course, fireworks? The Fourth just doesn’t sizzle without those dazzling explosions of color in the night sky!
Most of our fellow citizens across the country will watch these pyrotechnic displays from the comfort of camping chairs in parks, town squares, or other land venues. But boaters have a chance for something even more exciting: a front row seat to fireworks from their own vessel on a lake or river.
If you’d like to celebrate the Fourth on your boat, there are a few opportunities not far from Chattanooga. Here are some of the Independence Day events being held on or near lakes and rivers throughout East Tennessee.
Tennessee River
Chattanooga will hold its annual Pops on the River bash along the Tennessee River on Wednesday, July 3rd. The festivities begin around 4:30 p.m. at Coolidge Park with live music from Love, Peace & Happiness, an R & B band with a Motown sound.
The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera will then follow with a patriotic program that leads into a fireworks finale performed by Pyrotecnico. Boaters who find a place along the river can get a great view of the fireworks originating from nearby Renaissance Park, concluding around 9:30 p.m.
Check out Pops on the River for more information.
Chattanooga at Large
There are also plenty of other venues around Chattanooga to make this Fourth a memorable one for you and your family.
Several communities in the area, including Dunlap, Ringgold, Georgia, and North Park, will be hosting fireworks shows. You can also enjoy other holiday events like the Collegedale Freedom Festival on July 3rd, or take in a Lookouts game (Lookouts vs. Smokies, AT&T Stadium, July 4th, 7:15 p.m.).
And if you’d like to be on the water this holiday—but might enjoy someone else piloting the vessel—book a tour on the Southern Belle Riverboat for a day or evening sightseeing excursion on the Tennessee.
For more information on dates, times and other details for these and other Independence Day events around Chattanooga, check out this page at Visit Chattanooga.
Watauga Lake
This favorite boater’s destination offers a couple of celebration options for the Fourth of July.
On July 4th, the annual Watauga Lake 4th of July Boat Parade will commence at 12:30 p.m. The fleet of participating houseboats will begin at Watauga Lake Dam and end at the Butler Bridge. Judges will be selecting the best decorated boat with the chance to win prizes. To learn more, visit the event’s Facebook page.
You’ll also have a chance to see fireworks on Watauga Lake the evening of July 6th, sponsored by Lakeshore Resort & Marina (2285 Highway 321, Hampton, Tennessee). To learn more about the event, visit Lakeshore Resort & Marina’s Facebook page.
Boone Lake
Lakeview Marina at Boone Lake (near Kingston, Tennessee, about an hour and a half from Knoxville) will be hosting their 4th of July Weekend Party, July 6th beginning at 7:00 p.m. You can celebrate the holiday with live music from Dan Herrell & The Troubadours. Visit the event Facebook page to learn more.
South Holston Lake
Although not directly on the lake, the nearby city of Bristol, Tennessee (3 ½ hours from Chattanooga) is sponsoring Border Bash on July 4th, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Based in Anderson Park, the festivities will include a parade and live music, with fireworks to top off the evening. Visit their website for more information.
Whether on land or on the water, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy fireworks and other festivities this Independence Day. For other Fourth of July events throughout East Tennessee, here’s an overview from Knoxville’s WATE-TV. Have a happy and safe Fourth!