Preparations are underway for the "Let Freedom Sing!" July 4th Celebration in downtown Nashville.
Officials with the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. said 150,000 people are expected, and the event will feature the largest fireworks show in the country.
More than 35,000 pounds of explosives will be featured in the fireworks show and more than 60,000 shells will be shot. Eighteen technicians have been setting up the show over the course of the last 8 days.
The finale is being described as the most powerful in Nashville history.
“It’s a celebration not just for the country, but for our city,” said Deana Ivey with the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. “We have had such a great run this year, and it is a way to say thank you to our visitors and our locals, and to give back and have a fun celebration.”
This year’s event is spread out over a larger area of Lower Broadway and Riverfront Park to accommodate the crowds. Monday, Broadway was shut down between 1st and 5th Avenues and crews were hard at work setting up the main stage. Multiple other roads around the downtown area will be closed for the event, as well.
Read More: Road Closures For Nashville's July 4th Celebration
The event starts at noon. There will be a free Family Fun Zone at Music City Walk of Fame Park from noon to 4 p.m. The music starts on the main stage at 5th Avenue and Broadway at 4 p.m. and will feature The Sisterhood, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and headliner Chris Young, among others.
Ascend Amphitheater will open at 4 p.m. The Nashville Symphony will perform from 9:30 to 10 p.m. to coincide with the fireworks show.
Large video screens will be positioned on Broadway between 3rd and 4th Avenue and at Walk of Fame Park to show the performances.
Hundreds of Metro Police officers will have a presence in downtown to ensure everyone stays safe.
To ensure safety, backpacks and coolers will not be allowed. Bottled Water will be sold along Broadway. Attendees can bring collapsible chairs anywhere except Ascend Amphitheater. Small umbrellas and blankets are also allowed.
Vehicle parking will be available for $10 at Nissan Stadium in lots A, B, C and D. Parking will also be allowed at the Metro Courthouse garage for $10, and at the Nashville Public Library Downtown for $13 and at the Music City Center for $15. Lyft is also the official ride sharing partner of the event.
More LInks:
Full List Of Road/Street Closures
Parking & Transportation
2017 Independence Day Fireworks Shows
Map: Nashville's July 4th Event Map
MNPD Preps For July 4; Road Closures Begin Sunday
