The sky over Overton County is set to ignite with patriotic fervor as the 15th Annual EMS Fireworks Show returns to the Overton County Fairgrounds located at 610 Monterey Hwy, Livingston, TN 38570 on Saturday, June 28. This free community event, fueled entirely by the dedication of EMS employees and local sponsors, hopes for an evening of dazzling pyrotechnics, live music and family-friendly activities.
Roy Gore with the Overton County EMS said “Everything is free at the show, always has been and always will be free. Parking, the kids activities, the food, the show, everything. ”
Gates open at 5 p.m. for this all free event, inviting attendees to settle in with their own chairs and blankets. The musical stylings of Blazing Phoenix will kick off at 6 p.m., setting a festive atmosphere. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., One Bank of Tennessee and Overton County EMS will provide complimentary hotdogs, chips and water, ensuring everyone has a chance to grab a bite before the main event. The fireworks display will commence at dark, capping off an evening of community celebration. Attendees are reminded that no alcoholic beverages are allowed on the premises.
This year’s event offers more than fireworks and music. Families can look forward to an ALL FREE event with bounce houses, face painting and a petting zoo for the kids. In a unique addition, various agencies will be on hand with interactive displays, including the TBI, Homeland Security, and the THP driving simulator. Tennessee State Parks will also be participating, bringing along “Elvis the corn snake” and offering educational demonstrations. The popular “Touch a Truck” exhibit will allow children to explore emergency vehicles up close, while First National Bank will be cooling things down by giving out popsicles.
The 15th anniversary marks a significant milestone for an event that began modestly. Gore, an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician with Overton County EMS, and his dedicated team have been instrumental in growing the show into what it is today.
Gore recalls its humble beginnings in 2010, with the help from his brother Randy Gore, then an EMS employee, started it as a work family celebration with about 50 people and $400 worth of fireworks at the EMS location on the bypass.
“Within three years, it got so big that people were parking at the high school and Food Lion,” Gore explained, citing safety concerns that prompted the first move to the Berkline parking lot. That location, too, was quickly outgrown, leading the event to its current home at the Overton County Fairgrounds.
“We are so thankful for the use of the location; the fair board welcomed us with open arms,” Gore stated, estimating this year’s attendance to be around 3,000 people.
It’s important to note that the Annual EMS Fireworks Show is not funded by tax dollars. Instead, it’s a testament to the dedication of EMS employees, who contribute funds from their drink machine proceeds and employee donations throughout the year, alongside the vital support of various sponsors. “This is our way of giving back and saying thank you,” Gore affirmed, emphasizing the community-focused spirit of the event.
Gore, who has put in many years of service with Overton County EMS and hopes to retire next year, will be passing the torch for the fireworks show planning and management to Chad Watts.
Overton County EMS is a vital part of the community, with Station 1 located in Livingston, TN, and Station 2 in Hanging Limb, TN, both dedicated to serving the citizens of Overton County in their time of need. This annual fireworks show is a powerful demonstration of their commitment not just to emergency response, but also to fostering community spirit and gratitude.
