(Photo from the New Salem Facebook event.)
Whoops! The Fourth of July is next Thursday, and The Planet almost forgot to remind you that that means the annual New Salem barbecue and Independence Day fireworks blowout is this Saturday, June 29.
Music and food start around noon at the New Salem Community Center on Highway 136 East atop Lookout Mountain, then the fireworks start at dark, a little past 9 p.m. The do is expected to be letting out around 10:30 p.m. so mind the traffic on 136--this is always a popular event!
As usual, all food and entertainment is to be had for freewill donations only. But remember, your contribution goes toward financing not just the yearly fireworks but year-round protection by New Salem's all-volunteer fire department, so "filling the boot" is a great investment in your community.
If you do have to miss Saturday, not to worry--Nathan Wooten and his handful of faithful volunteers have a massive lineup of festivities in store for the national birthday itself, Thursday, July 4. A second rendition of the "1945 Dade County Fair" festival that Wooten started last year will kick off at 2 p.m. in Jenkins Park, culminating in fireworks from 9:30-10 p.m.
Here's Wooten's schedule of live entertainment planned for Thursday the 4th:
2-3:30 p.m. NEW GRASS XPRESS
3-4 p.m. HOT DOG EATING CONTEST, HAIRY LEG CONTEST
4-5:30 p.m. DOUBLECROSS
5:30-6 p.m. WATERMELON EATING, FROZEN T-SHIRT CONTEST
6--7:30 p.m. SOUTHWIND
7:30-8 p.m. MOON PIE EATING CONTEST, CONTESTJUDGING
8-9:30 p.m. BAREFOOT NELLY
Here are events that will go on throughout the day and throughout the park:
CAR SHOW, DUCK RACE ALL DAY
PIE BAKING CONTEST 2 p.m.
CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT 2:30-3:30 p.m.
CAKE WALK 3-4 p.m.
HOME RUN DERBY 3-3:30 p.m.
HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT 4-5:30 p.m.
KIDS CANDY SCRAMBLE 4 p.m.
BINGO 4:30-6 p.m.
WIFFLE BALLGAME 4:30-5:30 p.m.
1945 BALLGAME 7-9:30 p.m. (There will be fun games in between innings.)
FIREWORKS 9:30-10 p.m.
If you need more information about entering one of the contests or exhibitions, Wooten's number is (423) 596-5201. Fees may apply to tournaments, but in general, all events are free and open to the entire family.
Weather-wise, Saturday's looking good so far and the worst that's predicted for Thursday at this point is "light rain." The Planet is pleased to report that last year's "light rain" was not enough to put a crimp in the fireworks.
See you there, denizens of Dade!
