Bristol - The Star-Spangled Bristol celebration in 2006 commemorating the city's 150th anniversary was one of the largest celebrations held in Bristol in many years. The event echoed annual July 4th events held in earlier years. Star-Spangled Bristol featured a parade followed by a community picnic in Cumberland Square Park attended by nearly 4,000 people. The celebration included concerts and exhibits and ended with a fireworks spectacular at the Earhart Farm near the Bristol Motor Speedway.

Citizens of both Bristols have decided that our city will not pass another year without an annual Independence Day Celebration. "CelebrateBristol" has been organized with representatives from Bristol's Fraternal Veterans and Civic Council, from the Sesquicentennial Steering Committee, from Believe in Bristol and from other civic organizations.

"Celebrate Bristol" officers are: Chairman, Tim Buchanan, former chairman of the Bristol Sesquicentennial Steering Committee, and Vice Chairman, Les Hilbert, Bristol Kiwanis Parade Chairman. Richard Ball, coordinator of Bristol's annual Veterans Parade is serving as Treasurer and Parade Coordinator and Margaret Feierabend, Bristol Tennessee council member, is Secretary of the newly formed organization. Bruce Martin is the organization 's Sponsorship Chairman.

Plans are being generated for "Star-Spangled Saturday" to be held annually on the Saturday nearest to July 4th. This year the celebration will be on July 5th in historic downtown Bristol. Like the Sesquicentennial celebration, this year's event will include the
Independence Parade, community picnic and special music in Cumberland Square Park, and fireworks at Bristol Motor Speedway coordinated with the UARA 150 Late Model Race.