We watch fireworks and celebrate the United Stated of American becoming independent from the power of the King of England on July 4th every year, but what are we really celebrating with all those hot dogs and beer? The American Revolution didn’t end until September 3, 1783 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris.
July 4, 1776 was actually the day that representatives from the Second Continental Congress signed off on the final text of the Declaration of Independence, although it had been approved two days earlier.
Representatives from the original 13 colonies placed their signatures on the document ratifying it, officially severing all political ties with Great Britain. However, until the war was over, it didn’t make this country independent from British rule.
In May 1775, as political unrest related to the governing of the colonies by those representing King George III reached a new high, a convention of delegates from the thirteen original colonies met in Philadelphia to manage the Revolutionary War and act as the de facto national government until one could be created upon the completion of the war. They raised the Continental Army, chose George Washington as its commander, and wrote the Declaration of Independence — all with the threat of treason hanging over their heads. As a matter of fact, the last delegate didn’t sign until January 1777 because he was being hunted by British soldiers.
After the original Declaration of Independence was signed, copies were made and circulated among the people living in these new United States. Because the date on the paper that was in general circulation had the date of July 4, 1776 upon it, that was the date chosen to celebrate America’s independence. Although the war was still happening, celebrations of independence began occurring as early as 1777.
With the 250th Birthday of the signing of the Declaration of Independence taking place this year, many cities are planning special celebrations. This year also marks 230 years of the state of Tennessee.
Lebanon
Lebanon’s Fourth of July Celebration
Celebrate Independence Day with an evening full of family fun, live entertainment, and community spirit! Guests can enjoy live music from El Dorado, cornhole, inflatables, balloon artists, face painting, and plenty of activities for all ages.
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Location: Grass area off Peyton Road at the Wilson County Fairgrounds – 945 E. Baddour Parkway, Lebanon, TN 37087
Schedule:
Gates Open: 5:00 PM
Event Begins: 6:00 PM
Fireworks Show: Approximately 9:00 PM
City of Lebanon Fourth of July Parade
The City of Lebanon is launching its Independence Day festivities early this year with a community parade celebrating a major national milestone.
City officials announced the 4th of July Parade will take place on July 3 at 7 p.m., beginning at City Hall and traveling along West Main Street before ending at the Wilson County Courthouse. The event marks part of the nationwide America 250 celebration, honoring 250 years of American history.
Organizers say the parade will serve as the start of a full weekend of festivities, with additional Independence Day events continuing on July 4.
Those interested in participating in the parade must submit an application. Entries will be reviewed by the City of Lebanon and the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce, with notifications sent to approved participants.
Additional information, including rules and registration details, is available through the website.
Mt Juliet
Citizens of Mt Juliet July 4th Fireworks Blast
Celebrate the 4th of July in Mt Juliet at Mt. Juliet Christian Academy, located at 735 North Mt. Juliet Road. The event features bounce houses, food trucks, and a patriotic family atmosphere. Parking will be available at Mt. Juliet Christian Academy, West Wilson Middle School, Stoner Creek, and nearby local businesses. Bring your friends, your family, your own chairs or blankets to sit on, and your patriotic spirit as they celebrate freedom, community, and 250 years of America in style!
Gates open at 7:00 PM
Bounce houses from 7:00–8:30PM
Food trucks & family fun all evening
Fireworks begin at 9PM
Learn more at https://america250.org/event/citizens-of-mt-juliet-july-4th-fireworks-blast/
Independence Day in Mt. Juliet at Circle P Ranch
Head to Circle P Ranch (563 E Main St, Mt. Juliet) on July 4th for an evening filled with patriotic pride, family fun, great food, live entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks show as we celebrate the freedoms that unite us all.
5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Free Admission
Watertown
“Star Stripes and Squirt Guns”
The Watertown Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Fourth of July parade on July 4th at 4pm. This event has become known for its tradition of ‘getting wet’! While squirt guns are allowed, water balloons are not allowed. Also, there will be a NO-squirt zone. At the end of the parade, there will be a section for participants who do NOT wish to get wet, and will NOT be carrying any squirt guns or water. If you would like to enter the parade and NOT get wet there is a section on the entry form to indicate this.
The parade route begins at Round Lick Baptist Church parking lot at 745 W. Main St and ends at Jewel’s Market (East Main St & Hwy 70).
To sign up for the parade, visit https://watertowntn.com/updates/july-fourth-parade/.
Fireworks will take place in the fields behind Three Forks Park, so grab a lawn chair and join your neighbors!
The actual start time depends on the weather and the darkness – the show is best enjoyed in the dark!
Once again the Watertown fireworks are sponsored by the City of Watertown and the Watertown Chamber of Commerce to make our annual show the best ever!
Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter
