Making a comeback — not with a fizzle, but with a bang. | Photo by @ty.inthesky
Earlier this week, we announced the return of Pops on the River, Chattanooga’s beloved Fourth of July celebration, after being canceled in 2023 due to insufficient funding. Now, we’re breaking down the festival by the numbers and other booming facts.
Pops on the River has been taking place in Coolidge Park since 2000 and is overseen by Chattanooga Presents! — but how much does it cost to put on the City of Chattanooga’s main fireworks show?
According to Owner Carla Pritchard, this free event comes in at over $100,000. Through the years, the city has helped provide funding for the festival — for example, setting aside $40,000 in 2011 + $50,000 in 2013 and 2014 — but in 2023, the amount was lowered in order to fund other festivities.
This year, the festival will make its comeback with the help of funding from the city and county + major contributions from local law firm Warren & Griffin, P.C.
While event details can be found online, we’re highlighting some of the bigger need-to-knows for the big day on Wednesday, July 3.
Shows
4:30 p.m. | Kickoff with local party band Love, Peace & Happiness
7:30 p.m. | Patriotic program with the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera
9:30 p.m. | Fireworks display from Renaissance Park
Getting there
River Street will close to vehicular traffic at 3:30 p.m.
A free shuttle will take folks from 451 Lookout St. to the park from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. — pick up + drop off points will be at the Tremont and River Streets intersection.
Event parking is $10.
Bonus: Stay tuned for more Fourth of July coverage in a future newsletter.
Asked
What is your favorite Fourth of July activity?
A. Fireworks + sparklers steal the show B. Floating on the river C. Makes me want a hotdog real bad D. Being i-n-d-e-p-e-n-d-e-n-t, do you know what that mean
The Wood Brothers | Wednesday, June 12 | 7:30 p.m. | Walker Theatre, 399 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga | $49.45 | See brothers Chris and Oliver Wood take the stage to play a combination of folk, gospel, blues + jazz.
Thursday, June 13
Young Professionals: Brand Yourself | Thursday, June 13 | 12-1 p.m. | Native Kitchen, 825 Chattanooga Ave., Dalton, GA | $0-$30 | Enjoy a snack hour while getting a crash course into branding and marketing + have your headshot taken.
Friday, June 14
Father’s Day Feast | Friday, June 14-Sunday, June 16 | Times vary | Zaya 1943 Korean Steakhouse, 300 Cherokee Blvd., Chattanooga | $79 | Treat the father figures in your life to a special four-course dining experience — reservations recommended.
Candle Making 101 | Friday, June 14 | 6-8 p.m. | The Chattery, 1800 Rossville Ave., Chattanooga | $49.87 | Create your own soy-blend candle with your choice of fragrance.
Sangria on the Southside | Friday, June 14 | 7-10 p.m. | First Horizon Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd., Chattanooga | $95-$1,000 | Celebrate La Paz Chattanooga’s 20th anniversary with an evening of live music, dancing, and touring local Latin American gastronomy + sangria.
Saturday, June 15
Southside Juneteenth Jubilee | Saturday, June 15 | 1-4 p.m. | The Bethlehem Center, 200 W. 38th St., Chattanooga | Free+ | Come out to this family-friendly event featuring food, vendors, music, and more.
Birthday Block Party | Saturday, June 15 | 3-8 p.m. | Massey’s Kitchen, 826 Scenic Hwy., Lookout Mountain | Price of purchase | Enjoy cocktails, live music, and carnival games out on the patio of this mountaintop spot.
Sunday, June 16
Chattanooga Cars and Coffee | Sunday, June 16 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Quick Everett’s Garage, 910 Creekside Rd., Chattanooga | Free | Join other car enthusiasts for this monthly meet up with a special segment discussing Rally USA.
Hamilton County Emergency Medical Services (HCEMS) recently held the grand opening for its new Administration & Training Center. The 16,400-sqft building at 3916 Volunteer Dr. will serve as HCEMS’ home base.
Announced
Due to popular demand, the city’s upcoming Neighborhood Roundtable featuring Mayor Tim Kelly on Monday, June 17 has been relocated to the Chattanooga City Council Building (1001 Lindsay St.). RSVP + submit your questions for the mayor.
Civic
For our neighbors in Walker County, GA, government officials will host a community engagement session on Monday, June 17 to gather public input on issues with internet access. Folks will meet at the Walker County Civic Center at 10052 Hwy. 27 beginning at 6 p.m.
Outdoors
Pollinator Week is Monday, June 17 through Sunday, June 23 and the Tennessee Aquarium will celebrate with several events. Guests will receive guidebooks and tips on pollinator-friendly practices, native plant plugs and seed packets while supplies last + be able to enjoy games and activities. (Chattanoogan.com)
Sports
The Scenic City’s first-ever professional fast-pitch softball team will kick off its season on Wednesday, June 19. The Chattanooga Steam will take on several teams through Saturday, June 22 at the inaugural Coca-Cola Scenic City Pro Cup at Warner Park’s Frost Stadium. Get your tickets.
Eat
The Vegan Chef Challenge will make its way to the Scenic City for the first time from Monday, July 1 through Wednesday, July 31. Chattanooga chefs and businesses will compete with their vegan dishes + locals will vote for their favorites. Put your dishes on the chopping block, chefs.
Cause
In case you missed it, Crabtree Farms is currently seeking volunteers for its annual 100 Dinner & Auction. You can sign up for pre and post-event beautification efforts or day-of support. Note: You must be 18+ to volunteer during the event.
Home
Saving for a summer vacay? Don’t let home projects hold you back — find out how EPB’s rebate program can put up to $1,500 back in your wallet. Bonus: You’ll save on your monthly bill, too.*
Education
🏠 Introducing Cottagedale
Cottage living introduced at Southern Adventist University
On-campus housing looks a little different than the dorms we remember. | Rendering by Dwayne Gardner via Southern Adventist University
Southern Adventist University in nearby Collegedale has unveiled plans to add on-campus housing with a new development — Southern Mountain Cottages.
In response to growing student enrollment numbers, the university has partnered with Wind River Built to construct 26 modular + eco-friendly cottages on the northeast edge of White Oak Mountain (off Colcord Drive). Let’s take a quick peek at what these 600-sqft units — designed to house four students each — will feature.
A mixed rustic + modern design
Loft-style beds with study areas, a bathroom, a kitchen, a living area + laundry facilities
Walkable distance to campus
Paved + gated parking area
Landscaping like blueberry bushes + flowers
Half of the cottages are anticipated to be open to rising upperclassmen (dependent on meeting certain criteria) for the Fall 2024 semester.
Note: Southern Adventist University will reevaluate the needs of the units in the future with possibilities of opening them up as guest lodging.
Strut your stuff this summer with accessories from Designed For Joy. The Birdie purse comes in various colorways and features a scarf detail on the handle – perfect for a summer date night.
It looks like our readers are some 423 loyalists when it comes to our area code with 91.7% saying they would only claim our beloved numbers — and for the two folks who said they would be okay using 729, don’t worry, we won’t hold it against you.
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