July 4th – Memphis Flyer

Happy Independence day. In Memphis, the local news crews requested that people not fire their guns into the air because the ammunition will ultimately come down somewhere. But I suppose that demographic wasn’t watching the news and shot up the place anyway. A man ate some Bar-B-Que with his ex-girlfriend’s family in Overton Park, then shot her and killed himself. A man was struck in the leg while mowing his yard, a mother and her young child were grazed by bullets as they celebrated in a downtown park, and my stepson, Cameron, and two of his friends were robbed at gunpoint in an elevator of the parking garage at Peabody Place …

For more of Randy Haspel’s take on Fourth of July in Memphis, check out his blog, Born Again Hippies.

Everyone’s heard of celebrating red, white, and blue on July 4th, but red, white, and blues? Only in Memphis.

One of this year’s major Independence Day celebrations, the Red, White, and Blues Star Spangled Celebration merges two events: the WMC Star Spangled Celebration and the Red, White, and Blues Celebration.

With the help of sponsors Entercom Radio Memphis and the Beale Street Merchants Association, the event will be the largest Fourth of July celebration and fireworks display in the Mid-South.

“Where else can you go and see an American Idol finalist, Skillet, and the Average White Band all in one show?” says Baker Yates, promotions director for WMFS 93X and Country Legends WMC 79. That AI finalist is Kimberley Locke, and as an added bonus, she’ll be performing the National Anthem.

In addition to the music and fireworks, there will be a Harley-Davidson ride, featuring the Elvis Presley 30th Anniversary Signature Series bike, as well as kids’ activities, such as a pony ride, games, and a moon bounce.

Everyone is welcome to bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets, but plenty of food will also be available on site.

“It’s a fun, family-oriented event, and there’s something for everyone,” Yates says. “It’s our official Independence Day celebration for the city. This is the party to go to.”

Red, White, and Blues Star Spangled Celebration, Tom Lee Park, Saturday, June 30th. event begins at 2 p.m. and fireworks at 9:45 p.m. free. 729-3269.