The bang is back: Independence Day Celebration returns July 3rd in Johnson City

Johnson City officials want to put the two-year pause on an annual tradition in the rearview mirror with a star-spangled blowout next month.

The return of the Pepsi Independence Day Celebration at Freedom Hall is back July 3rd with afternoon activities scheduled, culminating with one of the largest firework displays in Northeast Tennessee now in its 35th year.

“It has been a long time coming, but we can’t wait to see our neighbors and friends again at one of the region’s iconic events,” said Pepsico Beverages North America of Johnson City Sales Operation Manager Rex Henley at a Friday news conference.

WXBQ and Bristol Broadcasting Co. along with News Channel 11 WJHL are signature sponsors for the event along with title sponsors Food City and Pepsi.

The skies will be lit up and an accompanying soundtrack can be heard on 96.9 WXBQ when the show commences at 9:55 p.m. that night.

Food City will also be awarding a grand prize of $10,000 in gift cards that evening. The grocery store chain will be accepting entries at their area locations.

A beer garden was announced Friday as a new edition to the event which will have sales near the gym complex at the facility from 9:00 to 9:55 p.m. only.

The musical main stage features performances from Restless Road, Adam Doleac, and Tim Duggar who recently made his first appearance at the Grand Ole Opry in December.

(IMAGE: J. Olsen / Bristol Broadcasting Co. News)