The Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department helped the community remember the freedoms for which our forefathers fought with a full-day of positive Fourth of July family activities at McKnight Park. 

Parks and Recreation Director Lanny Goodwin told WGNS News, "The popularity of the outdoor pool and water park that was renovated last year at SportsCom continues to attract record crowds." He said there was such a long line waiting to enjoy the Independence Day Rock The Pool Party, that a decision was made to open early.

As dusk arrived, a gentle breeze with temperatures in the 70s set the mood for an evening of flag waving fun. In fact, the local Colonel Hardy Murfree DAR chapter handed out a thousand American flags. Plus, a secure fenced area area was set aside where youngsters could enjoy a variety of inflatible activities. The Rover bus made parking easier as it shuttled patrons from outlying areas into the McKnight Park on the corner of Memorial Boulevard and DeJarnette Lane. 

At 8:00 Monday evening (7/4/2011), the honor guard from the Murfreesboro Fire Department presented the Colours while the Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra accompanied Siegel High School graduate Katie Haun with our National Anthem.

Then former State Representative John Hood did his normal excellent job of emceeing, mixing local history with fascinating background information. 

The fireworks began at 9:00 o'clock. Goodwin explained that the pyrotechnique show gets more high-tech each year. The city hired Pyro Show who brought two fully-wired flat bed trailers. Low-voltage wires connected each fireworks' cylinder with a master console. That enabled the display to be fired in sequence with the patriotic music that was being played by the Murfreesboro Symphony. The firm's impressive background includes shows for Disney World, ABC sports, several major college bowl games, along with fireworks shows for the Navy, Army, Air Force and other government groups. 

Our hats are off to the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department for giving us another reason not only to be proud of being Americans, but fortunate enough to live in the Heart of Tennessee.