East Ridge is throwing a free party on Saturday, Aug. 20, at the Camp Jordan Arena to celebrate the 95th birthday of the city.
East Ridge Parks and Recreation Director Stump Martin said the city officials want the party to be a fun for all.
“Take good food, good musical entertainment, plenty of fellowship and end the fun-filled evening with a brilliant fireworks display and you have a party,” Mr. Martin said. “We want to celebrate April 4, 1921 when the Tennessee General Assembly passed a House Bill that made East Ridge a fully-incorporated town.”
The party starts at 5 p.m. with the cutting of the 95-year birthday cake. The party will be held inside the Camp Jordan Arena where more than 3,500 people can sit in air conditioned comfort.
Headlining the event is Confederate Railroad, which just released "Lucky To Be Alive," in July. It's the band's first studio album in almost 10 years. The album includes a remake of "Trashy Women" with guests Willie Nelson, Colt Ford and John Anderson joining in.
It will be a birthday party as sorts for band leader Danny Shirley of Hixson, who turns 60 on Aug. 12. He also celebrated his 40th year as an entertainer last month.
Confederate Railroad takes the stage at 9 p.m. for a 90-minute set that will lead up to the 10:30 fireworks show.
Smith and Wesley will begin a 90-minute set at 7 p.m.
The band is built around brothers, Scott and Todd Smith, who do the songwriting and supply the sweet harmonies. Wesley comes from their father, Wes Smith, who was a successful area banker who recently passed.
Rounding out Smith and Wesley are electric guitarists Steve and Josh Pettyjohn, keyboardist Greg Gordy, bassist Dee Callahan and drummer Brad Thompson.
Melissa Lee, who is touring with Confederate Railroad, is an up-and-coming Nashville Country music artist.
The “Diminutive Dynamite” will get the Arena crowd alive and moving at 6 p.m.
Lee kicked off this year with a trio of sell-out shows at Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie, Mi., where she was the only female artist in a “tribute to the Grand Ole Opry” show. Melissa, who has opened for many national acts such as 2015 ACM New Artist of the Year winner Cole Swindell, Tyler Farr and The Kentucky Headhunters, will kick of the entertainment at 6 p.m.
The city will also have outdoor inflatables for the kids to play on.
For more information call 490-0078.