Every year, Freedom Hall in Johnson City, Tenn., has been host to the Pepsi Independence Day Fireworks.  It’s been going on at that location for the past 36 years.  We are sure that a lot of  people who attend this event every year, but they don’t realize what it takes to get everything is ready to go on the scheduled date. Planning for this event is pretty much the same as any other event that draws thousands of people each year.  The day after the event, organizers are already thinking about next year.

Debra Deegan, Freedom Hall, worked hard with the planning and organizing of this event. she helped arrange parking for Food Trucks, work on the Kid’s area, work with security and oversee all of the activities on the day of the event.  Her hard work and dedication paid off, with a premiere event that made everyone in the area proud.  The fireworks, provided by Pepsi, were amazing.  We had a quite bit of rain between Thompson Square’s performance and the fireworks.  But everyone agreed the fireworks show was definitely worth waiting for.

Many major sponsors make sure that this event will not only be full of fun, excitement and entertainment … but it will be memorable as well!   The folks at Pepsi in Johnson City sponsor the event every year.  They are joined by several other major sponsors which include Food City, WJHL News Channel 11 and WXBQ 96.9 FM home of the famous WXBQ Rabbit.

“This annual event, it’s always been Pepsi’s way to say thank you to our community,” said Pepsico Unit General Manager Rex Hensley, in an interview with WJHL.

“Because you know what, at the end of the day, it’s all about communities,” said Food City Special Events Manager Lisa Johnson. “And it’s great seeing families throwing out a blanket, setting up chairs, watching the kids play. And so that is one of my absolute favorite things.” [Source:  WJHL]

Pepsico and partners brought in an awesome musical lineup this year, including George Birge, Matt Stell, Thompson Square, and Southern Rebellion.


The event started with food trucks, drink stations, a beer garden, and kid’s area.  A Military Honor Guard presented the colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, and the National Anthem.  Then then the shows began.  An article about each of the entertainers will be posted soon.

There was so much happening that day. Following the entertainment, and before the fireworks, Food City had a contest.  Folks throughout the area had been qualifying for this contest for weeks before the July 3 event.  Those lucky finalists were invited on stage where the winners were determined.  Prizes awarded during this Giveaway were: $10,000 in Food City gift cards for groceries, $2,000 in Food City gift cards for gas, or $1,000 in Pepsi products.

Some of the photos you will see below, and throughout this article are from the event itself.  Some of the photos were taken at WXBQ radio remotes at Food City Locations throughout the area, where folks registered to qualify for the big prizes.  Photos of entertainers will appear in the next three articles.

This was a wonderful Independence Day Celebration.  Sincere thanks going out to everyone who helped with organization and set-up, all of the sponsors, Johnson City Police Department and security, and everyone who had any involvement with this great night at Freedom Hall Civic Center in Johnson City.


In addition to Country’s Chatter photos, pictures were taken by Brittany Johnson, Joy Bledsoe and 96.9 WXBQ. 

theadminSummer FunWXBQDebra Deegan,Food City,freedom hall civic center,Pepsi,WJHL,WXBQ
Every year, Freedom Hall in Johnson City, Tenn., has been host to the Pepsi Independence Day Fireworks.  It's been going on at that location for the past 36 years.  We are sure that a lot of  people who attend this event every year, but they don't realize what...