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'Let Freedom Sing:' Nashville celebrates Fourth of July with live stream

Posted at 4:16 PM, Jul 04, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-06 09:44:38-04

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Even though a spike in COVID-19 cases prompted Metro officials to cancel the city's Fourth of July fireworks display, that doesn't mean you can't celebrate with us.

NewsChannel 5 partnered with the city to help everyone celebrate safely from home by airing the city's Fourth of July celebration - "Celebrate Safe: Bringing the Music City Celebration to You."

Butch Spyridon, President and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp released the following statement after the cancellation:

“After putting together a small July 4th celebration that prioritized the health and safety of our city, we have decided to cancel the short fireworks show we had planned for downtown to broadcast on NewsChannel 5. While we are disappointed, the significant increase in COVID cases this week made it clear that we needed to take any steps possible to discourage crowds from gathering. We hope everyone will have a safe July 4 and watch the one-hour TV special on NewsChannel5 at 9 p.m. on Saturday. We plan to compile the best-of-the-best from previous year’s fireworks shows to include in the broadcast, along with live performances from John Hiatt, Lilly Hiatt, Keb’Mo’ and Tenille Townes.”

City officials closed Riverfront Park to discourage spectators and crowds from gathering.

The show featured live music, inspirational stories by NewsChannel 5 reporters and of course a fireworks display. The fireworks were from 2019, but a surprise, drone light display stole the show.

The drones featured sayings like #MusicCity, Vote, and patriotic images like the American flag.