Collegedale’s Fourth of July celebration this year is poised to draw more attendees than ever.
The annual Freedom Celebration scheduled for July 3 will boast three venues across 20 acres, including the new Commons Stage in Founders Hall, which opened last year in The Commons, a multi-venue community space developed by the nonprofit Collegedale Tomorrow Foundation in partnership with the city.
Foundation Executive Director David Barto said planning for the extravaganza began about six months ago with help from the city.
“We’ve never had it before that we could have three different activities spread out,” Barto said of the Freedom Celebration, which the city has hosted for the past 40-plus years. “It’ll give everybody some options.”
With the addition of the new venue and widespread offerings, he expects this year’s event to bring in about 15,000 guests.
Beginning at 6 p.m., Lou Wamp and Von Wamp’s All Star Lineup will take the stage, sharing a mix of jazz, blues and bluegrass, followed by the East Tennessee Symphony Orchestra conducted by Joel Denton at 8 p.m.
Across the street on the Veterans Memorial Park stage, attendees can enjoy a collection of bluegrass and country music from Matt Downer – Old Time Traveler beginning at 6 p.m. and Cedar Ridge Band at 8.
Behind City Hall, kids can find just as much to entertain them at Imagination Station. The playground will host activities including arts and crafts, songs and interactive stories, and children will have access to the playground and a bounce house.
Over on Apison Pike, traditional carnival goodies will be sold alongside a variety of fare from local food trucks. A farmers market will also run in conjunction with the celebration.
To accommodate the expansion, a newly donated 11-acre parking lot next to The Commons will be utilized, allowing for easy access to the festivities.
Ted Rogers, Collegedale’s city manager, said the fireworks – scheduled for around 9:45 p.m. – always bring in a large crowd that the city enjoys hosting.
“We’re excited every year,” he said. “It’s always a good time.”
There is no charge to attend.
Rain date is July 29.
Email Sabrina Bodon at sbodon@timesfreepress.com.