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Spring has sprung and so has the planning for Rogersville’s Fourth of July Celebration. It has gotten off to a great start with a full lineup of live music, along with all the usual activities in and around the first weekend of July.

“We are thrilled to have the return of live music this year,” Committee Chairman Beth Metz said. “With the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, there has been an overwhelming response from those wanting to be involved. We are working hard to put all the right touches on our hometown celebration.”

The headlining band this year will be the local, but nationally known group, the Odds N’ Ends.

They are apopular classic rock group that will be sure to set the vibe for the evening. Opening bands will include, New Year’s Eve favorite Hooch, another local band. Others playing in the park will be Ivy Road, Smith Creek and Pretty Penny. What better way to showcase Hawkins County’s hometown talent.

Live music will start at 2:30 p.m. in Rogersville City Park. At approximately 10 p.m., Dynamic Effects and Fireworks Company will once again put on a show-stopping fireworks display. Bob and Garret Smith have been instrumental in the success of this event year after year. It will be synchronized to music broadcast via WRGS FM 94.5/AM 1370 Radio.

In 2026, the celebration will continue to provide free fun for the kids with bounce houses. There will be plenty of food trucks lining the track at the stage, featuring several trucks that will be their first time at the celebration. Other activities are being planned and will be announced as details are confirmed.

Rogersville Parks and Recreation Department Director Matthew Elkins has confirmed the hosting of the Firecracker Boom and Zoom 5K Road Race on the morning of July 4. The race will begin at 8 a.m., with runner check-in beginning at 7:30 a.m. The race will start and finish near the Parks and Recreation Office Building behind the former Food Lion Shopping Center. Runners may pre-register by June 25 to guarantee themselves an official event shirt. Cost of the race is $20 per runner.

At 10 a.m. on July 4, the always competitive 3-on-3 basketball tournament will take place for ages 16 and up. The cost is $30/team with a minimum of three players and max of four players on each team. Pre-registration will begin the first week of June and you may sign up by calling the Park office at 423-272-2545. You may also sign-up online using the link http://Rogersville.RecDesk.com.

In addition to the park activities, the Rogersville City Pool will also be open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on July 4 General admission is $4, with those under 3 free and seniors over 65 $2.

The annual Rogersville Independence Day Parade will take place through historic downtown Rogersville beginning at 11 a.m. Those interested in participating in the parade should contact parade organizer Melissa Nelson at 423-272-1961. The parade will lineup beginning at 9 a.m. at the East Rogersville Baptist Church parking lot and will proceed west down Main Street. The theme of this year’s parade is “Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom, Community, and the American Spirit.”

On Friday, July 3, the always-popular Cruise-In On the Square will be held on Main Street from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Rogersville-Hawkins County Chamber of Commerce and Rogersville Main Street to promote downtown businesses. The event offers classic car enthusiasts the opportunity to show off their vehicles. Classic cars and trucks from 1989 and earlier are welcome to exhibit. Live music will be provided by the fun musical duo, Ivy Road. More information may be obtained by contacting Nancy Barker @ 423-272-2186.

With the event being solely paid for by local business and individual donors, the fundraising campaign will begin immediately.

“It takes a lot of money to put on an event this size in our town, but we think it is definitely worth it. It brings thousands of people to Rogersville and boosts the local economy. It also creates a fun, family atmosphere for everyone to enjoy a big celebration right here at home,” Metz said.

Donations will be accepted through the 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization Four Square, Inc. so contributions or portions thereof may be wholly or partially tax deductible. If you would like to donate, it can be mailed to the Rogersville 4th of July Celebration at P.O. Box 35, Rogersville, TN 37857.

For further information, contact Metz at beth@mbmpack.com or 423-923-2488.