News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Eighth Annual Red, White, and Boom set to return to the Putnam County Fairgrounds Monday evening, with more than just the 2nd largest firework show in the state.
Mayor Ricky Shelton said that the festivities will have something for everyone. He said that there will be a kids’ parade, a patriotic program honoring veterans, and food trucks, music, and fireworks at the old fairgrounds in the evening.
“Fireworks are my very favorite that’s kind of what started this whole deal,” Shelton said. “When I was running for office in 2014 my wife and I said you know, ‘Why don’t we have a fireworks, 4th of July celebration anymore?’ So that ended up becoming one of my campaign promises, that I would bring that back. And now here we are eight years later.”
Shelton said that even after his term ends in August, he has committed to continuing the tradition. He said that he wants to continue working with Randy Porter and other partners to bring back the event to the new Putnam County Fairgrounds next year.
Shelton said that after eight years, the event has become somewhat of a well-oiled machine. However, he said it wouldn’t be possible without those community partnerships and financial sponsors to make the event a success.
“The city police, and city fire, and County Sheriff’s Office, and Putnam County Parks and Rec, John Ross Albertson, he does a great job,” Shelton said. “All those folks coming together (…) And then Randy Porter you know he’s the County Mayor and he and I have done this together and we’re going to continue it together.”
Shelton said that the entire event is free except for what you buy from food trucks and vendors. The site has the capacity for about 1,000 cars to park, and there will be folks directing traffic.
Shelton said that the main ways to get in are on Walnut Avenue to park, and Veterans Drive will be open until 8 p.m. when it will close for fireworks safety.
Shelton said that you can be anywhere on the Jefferson Avenue and Interstate Drive side of town and see the fireworks, but all are invited to attend on-site.
