The Herald-News - News Story

Fiery squeals and colorful blasts are sure to fill the air this weekend as Rhea Countians celebrate the country's 233rd Independence Day.

A slew of private fireworks displays will illuminate the air along with two public events, one on July 3 in Spring City and another on July 4 in Graysville.

Rievley's Discount Fireworks sits just north of the county line on Rhea County Highway.
Owner Stanley Rievley said he and his crew have been helping folks stock their arsenals since June 20.

"It's pretty busy," he said. "People just go crazy over it."

Even with a dud of an economy, Rievley said people still want their fireworks.

"It may be just a little bit slower but not that much," he said. "I think people will even do without just to get a firecracker."

As usual, popular items this year have been assortment packs and mortar shells, the large rounds that thump as they exit the tubes and shower the sky with fountains of color.

"People buy all those for their big finales," said Macillo Christian, who helps Rievley run the business.

Wandering around the large tent Monday afternoon, Christian meandered to the biggest and most expensive assortment pack at the stand: The Godfather. Priced at $500, the 7-foot-tall bundle has about 75 different rounds in it. She said they keep about eight in stock and always sell out of the bulky battery.

Rievley said often times groups of people will pool their money together and go in on big, lavish fireworks arsenals. He said last year a group came in and spent $1,400.

On Monday afternoon Carl Reed and his grandsons came in to prepare for their Fourth of July show. They spent $160, and mostly bought mortar shots.

"I just guess because they're bigger," said 12-year-old Clay when asked why they like the mortar shots.

"It's so everybody can see them," his grandfather added.

For those who don't want to worry about putting on their own shows, two Rhea County towns will have Fourth of July celebrations this year.

Spring City's annual "Shake the Lake" celebration is set for Friday, the day before Independence Day, at Veteran's Park.

The event will be bookended with the Diaper Derby at 11 a.m. and a professional fireworks show at dark. In between will be live music, watermelon and pickle eating contests, the Little Mr. and Mrs. Firecracker pageants and a petting zoo.

Graysville will also host an Independence Day celebration at the Graysville ballpark. It's set to kick off on Saturday, July 4, at 11:30 a.m. Their fireworks show will end the day at 9:45 p.m.

On tap will be a horseshoe tournament, a tennis ball throw contest, food and drinks and Tennessee Championship Wrestling's Summer Sizzler Bash at 6 p.m. Several wrestlers will be in a dunk tank at 4 p.m.

Michael Reneau can be contacted at michael.reneau@rheaheraldnews.com.

Shake the Lake Schedule at Veteran's Park

11a.m. - The 4th Annual Diaper Derby( cost per child is $3.00) this event is for babies who can only crawl

11:30-noon - The 3rd Annual Teddy Bear Run ( cost per child is $3.00)
                     There are 3 races
                      1st Race is for Toddlers to age 2
                      2nd Race is for 3 yr olds
                      3rd Race is for 4 yr olds

Noon-1:30 p.m.- Music - George Garrison and the Mercy Singers

2 p.m. - 5th Annual Little Mr. & Miss Firecracker Pageant. Dress is Sunday Best (no Pageant wear is allowed). The fee is $10 per Child. Sign up for all groups will start at 1:30 p.m.

2 p.m. - Baby Miss Firecracker ( Newborns to 12 month) Girls
2:15 p.m. - Baby Mr. Firecracker ( Newborns to 12 month) Boys
2:30 p.m. - Tiny Miss Firecracker ( 13 months to 23 months) Girls
2:45 p.m. - Tiny Mr. Firecracker ( 13 months to 23 months)   Boys
3 p.m. - Wee Miss Firecracker (2 &3 yr. olds) Girls
3:15 p.m. - Wee Mr. Firecracker (2 &3 yr. olds) Boys
3:30 p.m. - Lil Miss Firecracker (4 &5 yr. olds) Girls
3:45 p.m. - Lil Mr. Firecracker (4 &5 yr. olds) Boys
4 p.m. - Miss Firecracker (6,7&8 yr. olds) Girls only
4:30-6 p.m. - Music-Wade Sims and Midnight Rain
5 p.m. - The Great duck race will begin.. Prizes are First place duck: $200.00 Gas Card; Second place duck: a New La-z-boy recliner; Third place duck: a $50.00 Gas Card.   Tickets will be available at the park the day of the event and also will be sold around town.
6 p.m. - Watermelon Eating Contest
6:15 p.m. - Pickle Eating Contest
6:30 p.m. - Evervigilant Band plays
8:30 p.m. - Mr. Jim Wright will start music that will lead to the fireworks
Fireworks will begin at Dark

Graysville July 4 Celebration Schedule at Graysville Ball Park

Noon - Horseshoe tournament. Cost is $10 per two-person team
4 p.m. - Several wrestlers will be in a dunk tank
5 p.m. - Wrestler Tommy Rich will be signing autographs
6 p.m. -Summer Sizzler Bash wrestling will begin. Adult tickets: $7, Kids ages 5-12: $5, kids ages 4 and under: Free. Bring your own lawn chair and get $1 off.
9:15 p.m. - Tennis Ball Throw. Contestant will get a numbered tennis ball for $1 and will try to throw it in a designated tub. The winners will split half the money raised in the event.
9:45 p.m. - Fireworks begin