PEPSI Independence Day Fireworks

PepsiCo Johnson City has announced details and a lineup of music acts for its 40th annual July 4 fireworks show at Freedom Hall Civic Center.

Shenandoah will headline the Independence Day celebration with live music. The free event, commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary, will also feature food trucks, vendor booths and an evening of activities.

“This event … has always been about giving back to our community, that’s how this whole thing originated 40 years ago,” said PepsiCo Area Sales Manager Rex Henley during a press conference at Freedom Hall on Wednesday.

A lineup of music acts are as follows, according to details Henley shared:

• 6 p.m.: Music by Noah Spencer
• 7:10 p.m.: Music by Carson Peters & Iron Mountain
• 8:25 p.m.: Music by Shenandoah
• 9:40 p.m.: Great American Giveaway grand prize drawing on stage
• 10 p.m.: Fireworks introduction by Johnson City Mayor Greg Cox
• 10:05 p.m.: Pyro Nova of North Carolina’s “Declaration In The Sky”

Henley said this year, PepsiCo opted to go with a new, North Carolina-based fireworks provider, Pyro Nova, making for a more immersive show.

“I can’t express the importance of, ‘you want to be on the grounds of Freedom Hall to see this,’” said Henley. “This provider is not only just a fireworks show, it’s a culmination of fireworks, laser lights and a video documentary that will play… through the entire event.”

Before evening programming kicks off, the off-site “Little Miss Pepsi Firecracker Pageant” will take place at the Langston Center at 1 p.m. The pageant is open to children ages 2–12 and the only entrance requirement is to wear something patriotic. Those interested in the pageant can contact 423-791-1596 or MissHistoricJonesborough@gmail.com.

Food trucks will open at Freedom Hall at 3 p.m. A kids’ zone with a touch-a-truck activity will open at 4 p.m., along with vendor booths. A beer garden will also be available at the pool side of the Freedom Hall building from 4 p.m. to 9:55 p.m.

A “calm-down sensory space” at Freedom Hall will be available to the public all evening, providing a quiet area staffed with therapists and volunteers. The space will provide a quiet area staffed with therapists and volunteers. An outdoor firework viewing space will be located near the calm room.

The city of Johnson City will provide free transit service from the Target parking lot on North Roan Street to Freedom Hall.

The event doesn’t allow pets, outside alcohol and attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets, as pop-up tents or canopies are not permitted.