West Tennesseans celebrate festive ‘4th’ despite rain
JACKSON, Tenn. — Dozens of events are in full swing, gearing up for the Fourth of July weekend across West Tennessee. But rain and thunderstorms have the potential to hamper some of those Independence Day plans. Everything from fireworks displays to live concerts and even BBQ cooking contests will be attracting thousands of West Tennesseans this holiday weekend. But even though there is still a chance for rain in the forecast, that is not stopping anyone from breaking out the red, white and blue. “Forget the rain. It’s rain or shine — that’s how we do,” Tommy Manley said. “Anyone out here will tell you it don’t matter.” It was a damp start to the Fourth of July weekend, but that did not stop anyone from coming out to celebrate. “This is a pretty good rain, but the music is still going on,” Bubba Knapp said. “People are still out here and we’re happy to sell them food if they’re here.” With umbrellas out and tents popped up, the International Riders & Rockabilly Rally & Blues Hog BBQ and Music Festival kicked off the long holiday weekend. “It’s just going to be a big party out here regardless,” organizer Jenci Spradlin said. “We have 59 professional BBQ teams that will be out here having a good time regardless.” The rain held off for a while for a special Jackson Generals game Friday, and the Madison County Fire Department is hoping they have the same luck for their freedom festival on the fourth. “I know there’s about a 50 percent chance of thunderstorms,” Madison County Fire Marshal Don Friddle said. “But the way Tennessee weather is, it could be raining here and not be two or three blocks down the road.” But even with that slight chance of rain, organizers say just be prepared. “We would urge everyone to bring an umbrella or even a small pop-up tent if they want to picnic out on the lawn,” Friddle said. Whether you are heading out this weekend to enjoy the food and music or you are excited to watch a spectacular display light up the sky, do not let a little rain put a damper on your Independence Day. “There is so much to do out here this weekend, and rain or shine, we’ll be here,” Spradlin said. For a full list of fireworks shows and where to enjoy them, call 731-423-2200 or visit the Seen on 7 section of our website.
