Join in celebrating Independence Day at the City of Knoxville's Festival on the Fourth at World’s Fair Park. You might even see submitted photos of yourself and your family on the big screen — or, for the first time, watch the fireworks in 3-D!

The July Fourth festivities begin at 4 p.m., rain or shine. Festival goers will enjoy musical performances by Handsome and the Humbles, Misty River and Bantam Rooster on the two stages, before the fireworks and musical finale by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.

New this year: Event organizers are offering citizens a chance to “share” their patriotic spirit. Do you have a favorite patriotic photo of yourself, your family, friends or pets? Submitted pictures will be uploaded to the City’s LED Screens and will be shown throughout the day. 

“This is a fun way to increase the community’s participation at the festival,”  said Judith Foltz, the City’s Director of Special Events.

There are two easy ways to share a photo:

• Upload your patriotic images via WBIR-TV Channel 10’s Your Take Album: http://yourtake.wbir.com/#gallery/13332.

• Post pics online using the hashtag #Knox4thFest.

Also new this year: Watch the fireworks show in 3-D! The City’s Office of Special Events will be handing out free 3-D glasses, while supplies last, that will enhance the viewing of the pyrotechnics. The 3-D glasses and the ever-popular free “Liberty hats” will be available at the Information Booth, at the base of the Clinch Avenue Viaduct.

The City’s annual tug-of-war competition between the Knoxville Police Department and the Knoxville Fire Department will take place again at 5 p.m. on the Festival Lawn.

The Tennessee National Guard will be a part of Festival on the Fourth this year and will have a Humvee on site, giving attendees an up-close look at the military vehicle.

The Festival will offer paddleboats on the “Lazy River” and train rides around the park on the “Liberty Express.” Festival goers, try your luck at Home Depot’s life-size Connect 4 Game, or practice your skills at a nine-hole putt-putt golf course. There’s even a “Canvas Art” booth where you can create your own work of art.

The highlight of the evening will begin at 8 p.m. with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s free Pilot Flying J Independence Day Concert. The free two-hour show features a mix of patriotic and Americana pieces conducted by Musical Director James Fellenbaum. This year’s firework display begins at 9:40 p.m.

 “Great music, great food, great activities and great memories are in store for those that attend this year’s Festival on the Fourth,” Foltz said.

No alcohol, tents or pets are allowed in the park for the Festival.

Free parking is available in the 11th Street, Locust Street, Walnut Street, State Street and Market Square garages, as well as the City’s Blackstock lots on Grand Avenue. ADA parking is available at the Fort Kid parking lot.

For more information or a complete schedule of events, visit http://www.knoxvilletn.gov/4th.