Independence Day Archives - Oak Ridge Today

Alcohol involved in nearly half of all deadly crashes on July 4

Posted at 11:24 am July 4, 2018
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Alcohol leads to nearly half of all deadly crashes on July 4, according to information provided by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department.

“Every year, Americans head out on our nation’s highways to celebrate the Fourth of July at picnics, parties, parades, and more,” the Sheriff’s Department said in a press release. “Regrettably, for many, the celebrating includes drinking alcohol, which often leads to drunk driving on one of the most heavily traveled holidays of the year.”

To crack down on drunk driving around Independence Day, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department will be out in full force, aggressively targeting those who put lives in danger, the press release said. [Read more…]

DOE will not test warning sirens on July 4

Posted at 10:58 am July 4, 2018
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DOE Warning Siren

The public warning sirens that you normally hear in Oak Ridge around noon on the first Wednesday of each month will not be tested today (Wednesday, July 4).

The siren is not being tested today in the areas around the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge Reservation because of the Independence Day Holiday.

“However, if an actual emergency were to take place during the Independence Day holiday (July 4), the sirens will be sounded,” a press release said. [Read more…]

Reminder: Fireworks are Wednesday at A.K. Bissell Park

Posted at 10:51 pm July 2, 2018
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Fireworks at Alvin K. Bissell Park in Oak Ridge on July 4, 2017. (File photo by D. Ray Smith)

A reminder: The City of Oak Ridge is again sponsoring a fireworks show to celebrate Independence Day. The display will be held in A.K. Bissell Park on Wednesday, July 4, and is scheduled to begin at dark, around 9:45 p.m.

The Oak Ridge Community Band, now in its 74th year, will perform prior to the fireworks, a press release said. The concert is free, but donations are accepted by the band to help cover the cost of equipment and other expenses. The music is expected to begin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Anyone planning to attend is advised to bring a lawn chair or blanket for outdoor seating, the press release said. A safety zone will be established by the Oak Ridge Fire Department. Please sit only in the designated areas, the press release said. [Read more…]

Oak Ridge Community Band has July 4 concert

Posted at 11:12 pm June 28, 2018
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The Oak Ridge Community Concert Band in a July 4 concert. (Submitted photo)

The Oak Ridge Community Band will present its annual Independence Day concert on Wednesday, July 4, at Alvin K. Bissell Park.

The concert is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. The concert is free, and it will be followed by the Oak Ridge fireworks show.

“Because the concert and fireworks traditionally attract large crowds, the public is encouraged to come early for good seating,” a press release said. “Bring chairs or blankets and plan to enjoy an exciting evening of music and fireworks celebrating the 242nd anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.” [Read more…]

Clinton has July 4 fireworks in Lakefront Park

Posted at 5:16 pm June 20, 2018
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Information from WYSH Radio

The city of Clinton has released its plans for its annual Independence Day celebration at Lakefront Park.

The event will begin at 5 p.m. July 4 and end with fireworks at 10 p.m. at Lakefront Park in Clinton.

There will be bounce houses, bungee run, basketball game, rock climbing wall, obstacle course, water slide, human hamster balls, and trackless train that are available to the public at no charge, although kids must have a free wrist band to ride. Also available will be laser tag for children and a game truck for children craving video game excitement at no charge.

There will also be food vendors, antique cars on display, and music from 5-9:45 p.m. Performers will include John Fee & The Honky Tonk Playboys, and possibly some other special guests who will likely be announced in the next few days.

Independence Day fireworks show is July 4 at A.K. Bissell Park

Posted at 10:54 am June 14, 2018
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Fireworks at Alvin K. Bissell Park in Oak Ridge on July 4, 2017. (Photo by D. Ray Smith)

The annual Oak Ridge fireworks show is Independence Day, July 4, at Alvin K. Bissell Park. The fireworks are sponsored by the City of Oak Ridge.

The show is scheduled to begin at dark, around 9:45 p.m.

Anyone planning to attend is advised to bring a lawn chair or blanket for outdoor seating. A safety zone will be established by the Oak Ridge Fire Department. [Read more…]

Reminder: Oak Ridge has fireworks tonight in A.K. Bissell Park

Posted at 11:43 am July 4, 2017
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Photo courtesy City of Oak Ridge

A reminder: The City of Oak Ridge is once again sponsoring a fireworks show to celebrate Independence Day. The display will be held in Alvin K. Bissell Park on Tuesday, July 4, and it is scheduled to begin at dark, around 9:45 p.m.

The Oak Ridge Community Band, now in its 73rd year, will perform prior to the fireworks. The concert is free, but donations are accepted by the band to help cover the cost of equipment and other expenses. The music is expected to begin at 7:30 p.m.

Anyone planning to attend is advised to bring a lawn chair or blanket for outdoor seating. A safety zone will be established by the Oak Ridge Fire Department. Please sit only in the designated areas.

What: Independence Day Concert and Fireworks Display [Read more…]

July 4 fireworks at A.K. Bissell Park

Posted at 12:40 pm June 16, 2017
By John Huotari Leave a Comment

The Independence Day fireworks show in Oak Ridge has been scheduled for 10 p.m. Monday, July 4, at A.K. Bissell Park. (File photo by Charles Samuels)

The Independence Day fireworks in Oak Ridge are scheduled to start at dark, around 9:45 p.m., at Alvin K. Bissell Park on Tuesday, July 4. The fireworks show is sponsored by the City of Oak Ridge.

The Oak Ridge Community Band, now in its 73rd year, will perform prior to the fireworks, a press release said. The concert is free, but donations are accepted by the band to help cover the cost of equipment and other expenses. The music is expected to begin at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 4.

Sheriff warns against drunk driving this holiday weekend

Posted at 12:46 pm July 2, 2016
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By Anderson County Sheriff’s Department

Every year, Americans head out on the nation’s highways to celebrate the Fourth of July at picnics, parties, parades, and more. Unfortunately, for many, the celebrating includes drinking alcohol, which too often leads to drunk driving on one of the most heavily traveled holidays of the year.

To crack down on drunk driving this Independence Day weekend, Anderson County law enforcement will be out in full force, aggressively targeting those who put lives in danger.

Sheriff’s deputies will be out working to make the roadways safe.

“Don’t even think about drinking and driving this Fourth of July, or you will be arrested,” said Sheriff Paul White. “The ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign means zero tolerance for drunk driving…no excuses.” [Read more…]

Museum of Appalachia celebrates July 4 with ‘boom’ of anvil shoot

Posted at 11:45 am June 29, 2016
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On July 4th, the Museum of Appalachia celebrates Independence Day in dramatic fashion. For nearly 30 years, the Museum has celebrated the Fourth of July by practicing the pioneer-tradition of “anvil-shooting.” (Photo courtesy Museum of Appalachia)

Each year, huge crowds gather to watch the Museum blacksmith as he packs gunpowder between two anvils and lights a fuse—launching the top anvil some 125 feet into the air. As the anvil soars high above the treetops, the earth literally shakes, and the sound of the explosion can be heard as far as 15 miles away.

Before there were fireworks, shooting the anvil was a common way for pioneers to celebrate special events, a press release said. Local blacksmiths would practice this tradition to celebrate the nation’s Independence, Christmas, and even Davy Crockett’s election to the U.S. Congress.

“While the tradition of anvil-shooting is nearly obsolete, the Museum honors our ancestors by carrying on this unique and exciting form of celebration,” the press release said. [Read more…]

Oak Ridge Community Band concert, fireworks on July 4

Posted at 11:17 am June 26, 2016
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Oak Ridge Community Concert Band in July 4 Concert

The Oak Ridge Community Band is pictured above during the July 4, 2014, concert. (Photo by Larry Perry)

The Oak Ridge Community Band will have its annual Independence Day concert at A.K. Bissell Park on Monday evening, July 4. The 7:30 p.m. concert will be followed by the city’s annual fireworks show, which starts at 10 p.m.

“Oak Ridgers and area residents who are looking for a great way to celebrate the July 4 holiday on a ‘high note’ should be making plans to attend,” a press release said. “This year’s July 4 concert marks the 72nd anniversary of the Community Band’s first concert, which was held on July 4, 1944, in the historic Jackson Square area of town. Large crowds are expected on Monday evening, so come early, bring lawn chairs or blankets for outdoor seating, and enjoy the music and fireworks!”

There is no admission fee for the concert. However, donations are welcomed to help offset band expenses, the press release said. Razzleberry’s Ice Cream Lab will be in the park to help people stay “cool” with refreshments. [Read more…]

Photo: Independence Day fireworks

Posted at 1:14 pm July 6, 2015
By John Huotari Leave a Comment

A picture of the Oak Ridge fireworks display on Saturday, July 4, from Oak Ridge Turnpike near Illinois Avenue. (Photo by Julio Culiat)

Oak Ridge’s fireworks display was on Saturday, July 4, at Alvin K. Bissell Park. Here is a picture by Julio Culiat taken from Oak Ridge Turnpike near Illinois Avenue.