McMinnville Plans Two-Day Long Fourth Of July Celebrations

McMinnville has a weekend jam-packed with events celebrating the 4th of July.

Recreation Program Coordinator Michael Benusches said that the town is excited to host so many events and get people out and celebrating.

“We’ve been closed for around 18 months now, and we’re just ready to get people out and about again,” Benusches said. “And have a full slate of events for the Fourth of July, and just get people excited to celebrate our country’s patriotism and freedom.”

The weekend will kick-off with the Dr. Pepper fireworks show at the newly-opened Milner Recreation Center on Friday night, and continue throughout the day Saturday around the downtown area.

“Since Fourth of July is on a Sunday,” Benusches said. “We will be having the 40th annual Stars and Stripes Fun Run/Walk starting at 7:30 a.m., at 9 a.m. we’ll be doing a Yankee Doodle Parade for kids starting at 9:30 a.m., and then at 11 a.m. there’s going to be a Miss and Mr. Stars and Stripes Pageant brought to you by the Middle Tennessee Scholarship Competition.”

Benusches said he hopes people will come and enjoy the festivities, as he believes there is something for everyone who attends.

“If they’re thinking about attending, they should just come on out because it’s gonna be free to walk around all day,” Benusches said. “There are going to be vendors set up, there’s going to be a bounce house for the kids, there’s going to be water activities, there’s going to be a Sno Ball truck. It’s just going to be a really, really fun day.”

Registration is open for Saturday’s $15 Fun Run, the $25 Mr./Miss Stars and Stripes pageant, and the free Yankee Doodle parade. For more information, visit McMinnville’s Parks and Rec website, or call the department at 931-473-1212.