The city of Soddy-Daisy will begin their Independence Celebration and the 25th Annual Firecracker Rod Run on Saturday, July 2. Starting at 9 a.m., attendees can enjoy an array of handmade arts and crafts, various types of foods, live music, children’s games, a car show with a swap meet, and wood carvings along with axe throwing. The grand finale for the day of celebration will be the fireworks display at dark.
All the activities will be held at Soddy Lake and Municipal Park on Dayton Pike.
Barefoot Nellie and Company will perform live from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wade Henry Sims and the Last Band takes the stage from 4-6 p.m. followed by Tyson Leamon and the Holy Gamblers from 7:30-10 p.m.
In addition to enjoying the live music, attendees will have the opportunity to browse an array of arts and crafts as well as watch artistically skilled wood carvers display their talents. Kids can get their face painted, hop aboard the trackless train, take a pony ride, and participate in the many children’s games offered throughout the day.
The Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 942, will be hosting their 25th annual Firecracker Rod Run and Swap Meet sponsored by O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Popular with car enthusiasts from both local and surrounding cities and states, the park will be filled with hundreds of cars competing for a trophy. Judging will begin at noon with trophies awarded at 2 p.m. Trophies will be given to the top 25 in pre-1980 model cars and the top 25 in 1980 models to present. In addition, the Veteran’s Choice Award, Mayor’s Choice Award, People’s Choice Award, and a Club Participation Award will go to the top four cars (and car clubs), in each category.
Vendor spaces are still open with applications available on the veterans’ website at www.vva942.com or the City’s website at www.soddy-daisy.org/july-4th-celebration. The 10x10 space is $35 and all proceeds go to Soddy-Daisy Vietnam Veterans of American, Chapter 942.
For additional information about Soddy-Daisy’s July 2 Independence Celebration and the 25th Annual Firecracker Rod Run and Swap Meet, contact Jody Millard at 718-2138, Wayne Mailliard at 505-7221 or Robert Cothran at 718-1735 or go to www.soddy-daisy.org.