2011 Fourth of July Events Near Memphis, TN

If you are a mother you know that kids love fireworks. If you are a mother in Memphis, you might not know that there are several fireworks events outside the city limits this 4^th of July. Each event has a little something different, each is in a slightly different direction in relation to Memphis, and most are taking place before July 4, 2011. This list should help you pick the one that's right for you this Independence Day weekend.

Saturday If you live near Bartlett, their Fireworks Extravaganza on July 2 from 6:30pm - 10pm might just be the best choice. In addition to live music, a car show, and the obligatory fireworks, they will also have kids games, face painting and more. This free event takes place at the Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center at Highway 70 and Appling Road.

Southeast of Memphis, down in Collierville, they will be hosting their annual Independence Day Celebration for the 26^th year in a row. There will be live music in the evening, followed by a big fireworks show, possibly including aerial displays as was the case in 2010 (see top picture on their website). No times are given, but most of these events start between 6-7pm and go until 9-10pm.

Sunday If you would like to do something more this year with your family to celebrate our freedom than just enjoy spectacular pyrotechnics, on July 3 there will be the Comcast Firecracker 5K Run~Walk for St. Jude at the Racquet Club. The event begins at 7pm and there is a pool party after the race itself, as well as a "best patriotic outfit" contest. There is a fee for registration and participation in this charity race event.

Monday 14 miles south of Memphis in Southaven, Miss., they will be holding their 10^th Annual July 4^th Celebration at the Snowden Grove Park amphitheater. The festivities begin at 7pm and fireworks are set to begin around 9pm. There will be music by the Cornerstone Band, the SouthPoint Band and the Timothy Davis Band. Admission is free and families are welcome to bring their own refreshments.

The Beale Street 4^th of July celebration will once again be held in Tom Lee Park, offering live music, festival food and, of course, a fireworks display, this time set against the Mississippi River. While the river makes a perfect background for the fireworks, it may still be swollen from the flooding earlier in the year, so be especially careful if you decide to take the kids to this event.