It is time for an annual tradition in Nashville, the annual Fourth of July fireworks show at Riverfront Park. This show features spectacular fireworks set to music and attracts a hoard of thousands downtown who jostle each other and step on toes as they vie for the best position for the night’s pyrotechnic demonstration. However, there are some lesser-know but increasingly popular alternatives to going downtown.
First Church of the Nazarene
Just across the river almost directly opposite from where the fireworks are launched, sits First Church of the Nazarene whose parking lots almost overlook the river. As in years past, First Church of the Nazarene will celebrate the Fourth of July in grand style on the church grounds with their Ninth Annual Block Party beginning at 7:00 PM and concluding after the Nashville Fireworks display. There will be a variety of exciting fun activities for all ages.
The First Church Power Praise Band will jazz it up, a vocal ensemble will sing great contemporary Christian and Patriotic music and the ‘famous’ First Church Staff Quartet will sing “The National Anthem” a capella. Last year’s event featured kiddie games, watermelon and other sport to entertain the crowd for the two hours before the fireworks show actually began. This year even more extravagant children’s blow up games will be leased for the day including: Airplane, Caterpiller, Joust and Bungee Run. The music stage is being moved into a corner of the front parking lot so that people can enjoy the music from their lawn chairs. I enjoyed myself immensely last year and preferred the lawn-chair method of viewing fireworks to the frenzy downtown.
Everyone is invited to bring your lawn chairs and your friends to the Fourth of July Celebration. Free Pepsi and watermelon will be provided by the church. In fact, it’s all free and gets underway at 7:00 PM at 510 Woodland Street (just down the street from Adelphia Coliseum) at First Church of the Nazarene. This location boasts a splendid view of the Nashville fireworks and a more leisurely alternative and family-friendly atmosphere to the jostling crowds downtown.
For more information call Jeff Sexton at 615-255-1289.
Belle Meade United Methodist Church
Belle Meade United Methodist Church located at 121 Davidson Rd. in Nashville will be having family picnic. Open to all who wish to come, the event starts with BBQ from Nick’s at 5:30pm. The cost is $5.00- adult, $2.50- child, $16.00 family cap. After the meal, it’s fun & games on the lawn including Moowalk and games for the kiddies, a giant “sports challenge” for the young at
heart, and for those feeling a little more subdued, it’s live patriotic music by a brass quintet. There will be sno-cones to beat the heat and more fun. The evening wraps up as with a fireworks display from Hillwood country club just up the street. Bring a lawn chair and a friend to beat the downtown crowds!
If your church is hosting a Fourth of July celebration this year, please let us know so we can also feature your event here. Just email 4th of July Celebrations
