Move raises new questions for downtown businesses that have long benefited
By Heather Thomas, Upper Cumberland Business Journal
Red White & BOOM, one of Tennessee’s largest Fourth of July celebrations, is preparing for its biggest transition yet. After more than a decade at the Jefferson Avenue fairgrounds in downtown Cookeville, the event is scheduled to relocate in 2026 to the new Putnam County Fairgrounds on Tennessee Avenue.
The move raises new questions for downtown businesses that have long benefited from the thousands of visitors drawn each year to the fireworks show and Freedom 5K. But organizers say the change also creates opportunity, as the larger facility opens the door to expanded activities, long-term growth and a landmark celebration marking America’s 250th birthday. After decades downtown, the Jefferson Avenue site has been reimagined, while the Tennessee Avenue facility promises expanded amenities for vendors, fair activities and long-term growth.
The move reflects both challenges and opportunities from Westside and Interstate Drive restaurants to Willow and Jefferson Avenue’s establishments, the celebration’s relocation poses new realities. When Red White and BOOM was in the heart of Cookeville, many restaurants and retailers benefited from thousands of visitors July 4. With the move organizers and the business community will need to work creatively to extend the event’s economic impact across the city as in previous years.
In 2025, Red White & BOOM drew an estimated 122,569 attendees and generated an $8.78 million economic impact, including more than 62,000 visitors from outside Putnam County.
That scale makes it both one of the state’s largest fireworks shows and one of the region’s most significant tourism drivers.
“Red White & BOOM is more than just fireworks,” said founder Ricky Shelton. “It’s about unity, pride and giving back to Cookeville. The new fairgrounds help continue our tradition while boosting tourism and local business.”
Red White and Boom – By the numbers
Community & business impact
Red White & BOOM is both a patriotic celebration and a proven driver of economic activity. With 51% of attendees coming from outside Putnam County, the days surrounding the Fourth of July — anchored by the Freedom 5K and the fireworks show – have become one of the most significant economic periods of the year for local restaurants, hotels and retailers.
The celebration’s economic impact and reach are significant, including 3.2 million media impressions across TV, radio, print and digital channels. Add to those 10,823 individual fireworks launched in a 22-minute choreographed show and the 172 runners in the Freedom 5K Night Run, which raised $4,050 for nonprofits The Exceptional Bean and Community Based Counseling and Consultation Service for Foster Care – and it is clear why Red White & BOOM is more than a holiday tradition. It is both an economic engine and a community touchstone.
Fire in the sky – Fireworks light up the Putnam County sky.
Partners in the sky
The show’s success would not be possible without the partnership of Pyro Shows, which has staged the fireworks since the event’s inception.
“When we first partnered with Ricky Shelton to bring fireworks back to Cookeville, we had no idea how much it would grow. Today, Red White & BOOM is one of the biggest shows in Tennessee, and we’re proud to help make it happen every year.” Lansden Hill, President & CEO, Pyro Shows Pyro Shows confirms the event ranks second only to Nashville in terms of the net explosive weight of fireworks used during the week of July 4 in Tennessee.
Looking ahead: A landmark celebration
As Red White & BOOM prepares for its new stage on Tennessee Avenue, the fundamentals remain the same: a massive fireworks display, a community coming together and an undeniable economic boost.
The 2026 Red White & BOOM will be a once-in-a-generation milestone. Not only will it inaugurate the Tennessee Avenue fairgrounds as its new home, but it will also mark America’s 250th birthday.
As Shelton puts it, Red White & BOOM is “deeply personal” – a gift to Cookeville, powered by sponsors, volunteers, and a community that continues to make it bigger each year.
“It’s about building traditions, creating memories and strengthening the bonds that make our community stronger. This is why I founded Red White & BOOM 11 years ago – to give Cookeville a signature celebration that honors our freedoms, celebrates our shared values and brings joy to people of all ages,” Shelton added. “It’s deeply personal to us and we’re honored to continue this tradition with the help of our amazing sponsors, volunteers and partners. We believe in this community, and Red White & BOOM is our way of continuing to give back.”
Organizers expect even larger attendance, expanded sponsorship opportunities, and a national spotlight on Cookeville. For businesses that means another chance to put their brand in front of hundreds of thousands of visitors and millions more across media channels.
To get involved, businesses can contact Shelton at ricky@sheltonconsultingsolutions.com
How the numbers were calculated
To estimate the economic impact of the 4th of July fireworks event, Shelton used standardized tourism multipliers, as well as data from Placer.ai, The Upper Cumberland Development District, Tennessee Tech Center for Rural Innovation and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development’s Statewide Economic Impact Calculator, powered by Zartico.
Placer.ai provided insights into attendee volume and origin, helping to distinguish residents from out-of-town visitors. Media metrics were provided by Pyro Shows and Better Cookeville’s digital platforms, which track impressions across digital, streaming and broadcast channels. Together, these data points give a comprehensive picture of Red White & BOOM’s reach – both as a patriotic celebration and as a driver of Putnam County’s economy.
Photos provided.
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