Thousands of visitors are expected in Kingston this weekend for Smokin’ the Water, which is the city’s annual July 4 celebration.
“We’re just hoping the rain holds off and the heat stays low,” Police Chief Jim Washam said.
Events are scheduled Saturday and Monday.
The city raises money to put on Smokin’ the Water.
“To date, we’ve raised almost $45,000,” City Manager David Bolling said. “Without the continued generosity of so many businesses and individuals, we simply wouldn’t be able to put on what has become our signature event of the year and the best fireworks display in East Tennessee. Their support is what makes Smokin’ the Water happen, and we can’t thank them enough.”
Smokin’ the Water was canceled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event returned last year.
It wasn’t the pandemic that organizers had to deal with this year, but high inflation.
“The cost of the fireworks increased by 30%, from $27,000 to $35,000,” Bolling said. “Inflation has certainly contributed to that, as has the significant increase in the cost of shipping products from China.”
A car show is scheduled Saturday. Registration starts at 8 a.m. in the Roane County High School parking lot. Judging is set for 11 a.m.
A concert at the Southwest Point Amphitheater is scheduled on Saturday at 6 p.m. Dan Tyminski Band, Amanda Ann Platt & The Honeycutters are slated to perform.
“This is our first big concert at the amphitheater,” Washam said. “ORNL is putting it on and they are expecting anywhere from 1,500 to 2,000 people.”
“There are designated parking areas at Southwest Point and then throughout the city,” Washam said. “The city is going to be running shuttles, taking people to the designated parking areas to the amphitheater.”
Monday’s events are scheduled to start at 4 p.m.
“We’re going to be closing Hwy. 70 there like we always do, probably around 3:30,” Washam said.
Food and craft vendors will be on hand for Monday’s events along with kids attractions.
Dirt Floor Doctors are scheduled to perform on the stage at Kingston City Park at 4 p.m. C.J. Ausburn is scheduled to perform on the stage at 6 p.m. and Fairview Union is scheduled to perform on the stage at 8 p.m. Smokin’ the Water will culminate with the fireworks show after dark.
“We want everybody to come out, be safe and have a good Fourth of July,” Washam said.
