DUNLAP, Tenn. — The City of Dunlap is inviting residents and visitors from across the Sequatchie Valley to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a full day of patriotic festivities, live music, family activities, fireworks and the opening of a historic time capsule during its annual Fourth of July celebration.
The event, set for Saturday, July 4, will center around Harris Park and downtown Dunlap, featuring activities throughout the day before concluding with a fireworks display at 9 p.m.
The day will begin with the annual “Happy Birthday America” Parade, organized by the Sequatchie County Rescue Squad in partnership with the City of Dunlap. Parade participants will line up beginning at 7:30 a.m. at 103 Heard Street, with the parade stepping off through downtown Dunlap at 9 a.m.
One of the most anticipated events of the celebration will be the opening of a time capsule buried on July 4, 1976, during the nation’s Bicentennial celebration. The capsule will be opened at 10:30 a.m. at the Sequatchie County Courthouse, offering a unique look back at life in Sequatchie County.
At 1:50 p.m., community members are invited to gather for the traditional Ringing of the Bell, in honor of the nation’s founding.
Throughout the afternoon, Harris Park will host vendors, food, family activities and entertainment as part of the “Birthday in Harris Park” celebration.
Live music will take center stage on the Harris Park stage beginning at 10:30 a.m. with performances by:
- The Werewolves of Landon — 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Legacy — 2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Bill Hatfield & The Wild Wind Band — 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
- Hannah Danley — 5:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
- Cody McCarver — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- John Waite — 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Waite, known for hits including Missing You, When I See You Smile and his work with The Babys and Bad English, will headline the city’s 12th Annual Fourth of July Music Festival immediately before the fireworks display.
The celebration will conclude with a city fireworks show at 9 p.m., lighting up the skies over Harris Park.
The festivities are part of a broader observance marking America’s 250th anniversary. Additional events are planned for Wednesday, July 8, including a procession of city and county commissioners to the front steps of the Sequatchie County Courthouse and a public reading of the Declaration of Independence beginning at 11:45 a.m.
City officials encourage residents from across the region to bring their families, lawn chairs and patriotic spirit for a day dedicated to honoring the nation’s past while celebrating its future.
“Honoring our past. Celebrating our future.” is the theme of this year’s event.