ALCOA, Tenn. — A Blount County fireworks celebration isn't happening this summer. However, other events are planned in Alcoa, and they're starting soon.
The city is declining to host FreedomFest, which typically occurs the last Saturday in June, due to financial reasons, said Alcoa Public Information Officer Emily Assenmacher. She said that city commissioners recognized some tax rates were going to change this year.
"Our commissioners felt like the tax rate we had might put a burden on residents," she said. "To ease that burden they lowered the tax rates, and one of those compromises was we won't have FreedomFest."
She said other projects, like Alcoa-Maryville Greenway, were also considered when making the decision about the fireworks show.
"I, personally, am very hopeful for next year and backing it back," Assenmacher said. "This year it didn't work out."
Alcoa had its first FreedomFest since 2019 last summer, following a pause caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and road construction projects in the area. Assenmacher said the festival cost around $130,000 and corporate sponsorships did cover part of those costs.
She said the cost of the fireworks, overtime for city workers during the events, along with the entertainment and kids area, are some of the things Alcoa had to pay for.
Events are planned for this spring, including the Alcoa Food Truck Rally. Assenmacher said the events will be held every other Tuesday starting at the end of March and going through the beginning of May. The exact dates haven't been finalized just yet.
"It's located in the Springbook Pool parking lot," she said. "There will be live music, different food trucks and theme nights ... It's just a great ambiance and it's super fun."