Red, White & BOOM returns July 4

Honoring tornado survivors, healthcare heroes, first responders, and essential workers

COOKEVILLE – Amidst a tornado recovery and a global health pandemic, the city of Cookeville and Putnam County remain united and positive in moving forward with celebrating Red White & BOOM, yet again to tout the second largest fireworks show in Tennessee. 

In its sixth year, set for Saturday, July 4 at the Putnam County Fairgrounds, this annual tradition will not only celebrate the patriotism of this community, but will honor tornado survivors, healthcare heroes, first responders and essential workers, as announced today by Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton.

“Committed to a smart and safe celebration, this Better Cookeville event is symbolically important to move forward this year,” said Shelton who organizes the event, and also serves as president of the Better Cookeville Foundation. 

“Especially during these difficult times that our community has experienced with the tornado and COVID-19, our citizens, tornado victims, first responders and healthcare workers deserve to be honored with a celebration that we can all rally around,” added Shelton. 

Red White & BOOM has consistently had one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in Tennessee. While this year, SlideCKVL will unfortunately be cancelled due to the large number of volunteers required, this year’s fireworks display will be bigger and better than ever. 

“Pyro Shows is assembling an amazing display, fully choregraphed to music, sure to most honorably celebrate our country, our freedom and this community during such a challenging time. It is a privilege to help honor the strength of our citizens and to give special thanks to those that protect us every day,” said Shelton. 

“The city of Cookeville has been one of the premier fireworks shows in the state of Tennessee for five years,” said Lansden Hill, president & CEO of Pyro Shows. “With so many communities having to reduce or eliminate their Fourth of July celebrations this year, we are so proud Mayor Shelton chose us to again be part of the Cookeville show as it becomes one of the biggest shows in the southeast. Pyro Shows salutes the people of Cookeville and Putnam County for your strength and patriotism.”  

“This is a day our community looks forward to all year long,” said Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter. “Since the fireworks show can be seen from many parts of the city, everyone can celebrate in a way that is safe and smart. We want everyone to personally decide what’s best for them.”

Gates at the fairgrounds will open at 6:30 p.m. CT for first-come parking onsite with physical distancing. There will be extra spacing in between cars to allow for social distancing of attendees. For those who prefer to stay home, the entire show will be livestreamed online. 

With continued mindfulness of the health of local residents, there will be no public concert onsite this year. However, thanks to FORD Lincoln of Cookeville, a livestreamed virtual concert will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. CT featuring local resident and “The Voice” winner Jake Hoot along with “Tennessee Songwriters’ Week” finalists The Smoky Nights and Atlanta-based, Americana Artist of the Year Alex Guthrie. 

The concert and fireworks will be broadcast live on www.facebook.com/mayorrickysheltonwww.facebook.com/mayorrandyporter, Lite Rock 95.9, 106-9 Kicks Country, Rock 93-7 and News Talk 94.1. Also, WCTE, our local public TV station, will be carrying the events live. This will allow over 1.3 million people in middle Tennessee, on local cable systems and satellite providers, to enjoy the festivities. The concert will air live from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. CT and the fireworks will air live beginning at 9 p.m. CT. Full schedule and details available at: www.bettercookeville.com

The annual patriotic ceremony, parade, and classic car cruise in will be replaced this year with a special virtual salute to local heroes, “The Home Of The Brave: Upper Cumberland Heroes,” a two-hour special tribute debuting Saturday, July 4, at 10 a.m. CT on Lite Rock 95.9, 106-9 Kicks Country, Rock 93-7 and News Talk 94.1. 

“’The Home Of The Brave: Upper Cumberland Heroes’ will explore the traits and characteristics that built our nation and make our community special,” said Larry Stone, president of Stonecom Radio. “Since the March 3rd tornado, we have seen so many heroes step forward. From the first responders in the Highway 70 corridor, to the nurses serving COVID-19 victims at our local hospital, to the team that served thousands of meals to our school children during the shutdown, each one of these individuals embodies that special American spirit that we celebrate on the Fourth. This two-hour special will tell their stories. We will also present the story of local veterans who have fought for our country to maintain our freedom.” 

Red White & BOOM is produced by Better Cookeville. A very special thanks to Better Cookeville partners. Red White & BOOM is presented by FORD Lincoln of Cookeville, Aphena, Cookeville Regional Medical Center, LifeChurch, Cash Express, Lite Rock 95.9, 106-9 Kicks Country, Rock 93-7, News Talk 94.1, Tennessee Tech University, Rogers Group, Coca-Cola, Real Estate Professionals of TN, Twin Lakes, Wilson Bank, Planet Fitness, Averitt, First National Bank, Center Point Energy, BlueCross BlueShield of TN, DT McCall, McGriff Insurance, Crossfit Mayhem, Happy Hour, Tony Smith Shelter Insurance, Mid TN Natural Gas, Cavity Commando’s Dentistry for Kids, Cookeville RV, Fairfield, Towneplace Suites, Mayor Ricky Shelton – City of Cookeville, and Mayor Randy Porter – Putnam County.  

About Better Cookeville

The mission of Better Cookeville is to be an economic and community catalyst. Helping Cookeville thrive as a vibrant community, Better Cookeville builds, connects, promotes and distributes resources and knowledge by supporting local organizations, events, partnerships and initiatives for the common good and to enhance the quality of life of our citizens. For more information, visit www.bettercookeville.com.

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