June 27, 2008

Parishes planning Fourth of July picnics

Fireworks and fried chicken will be just some of the attractions to Fourth of July picnics hosted by parishes around the Diocese of Nashville, including St. Edward in Nashville and Sacred Heart in Loretto.

Parishioners and Loretto residents have been celebrating the Fourth of July on the grounds of Sacred Heart Church for 136 years. This year’s picnic will feature some old favorites – like the best corn dogs around and the Mr. and Miss Independence Pageant – as well as some new features.

The day’s festivities will begin at 8 a.m. with the 5K run and the opening of the bake sale and country store. Games, rides, inflatables and put-putt golf will open at 10 a.m., to be followed by the children’s beauty pageants at 10:30 a.m., the bicycle parade at 1:30 p.m. and the ham and chicken dinner at 4:30 p.m.

An auction will feature a University of Tennessee basketball autographed by coach Bruce Pearl, tickets to museums and other attractions in Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky, woodwork items, quilts, hand painted items, items donated by local business, gift certificates, themed baskets, and more.

Before the auction there will be a memorial helium balloon release. Memorial balloons can be purchased by sending $3 to Sacred Heart Church, 305 Church Street, Loretto, There will be dancing to the music of the Barnett Brothers Band 8-11 p.m.

St. Edward’s Annual Independence Day Celebration will be held Sunday July 6. There will be plenty of food available beginning at 5 p.m., including hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, bratwurst, chips, drinks and snow cones. A barbeque dinner of pork, chicken, baked beans, potato salad, drink and dessert will be available for $7 for adults and $5 for children under 12.

The musical entertainment begins at 6 p.m. and the highlight of the evening, one of Nashville’s biggest fireworks shows, will begin at 8:15 p.m.

Admission is free. St. Edward is located at 188 Thompson Lane in Nashville.