GATLINBURG, Tenn. — The "first Independence Day celebration in the nation" returned to Gatlinburg once again this year, with a parade kicking off at 12:01 a.m. on the Fourth of July.
Each year, Gatlinburg hosts the celebration. This year, organizers said members of the Harlem Globetrotters will lead it. It will be the 48th annual Gatlinburg Fourth of July Midnight Parade and will feature festive floats, marching bands and large balloons.
Participants marched through downtown Gatlinburg, starting at the Baskins Creek Bypass located on East Parkway. Between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on July 3, people were also also be able to enjoy a meet-and-greet event with the Harlem Globetrotters.
Following the Midnight Parade, people will be able to enjoy the River Raft Regatta starting at 11 a.m. on July 4 at the former Christ in the Smokies Museum parking area.
To end the holiday, people can go to Gatlinburg's Fireworks Finale, where fireworks will light up the sky from the Gatlinburg Space Needle. It is set to start at 11 p.m. on July 4.
You can watch the parade below!