Mary Nita Bondurant
Thursday, June 30, 2016 2:48 pm

UNION CITY, TN- Discovery Park of America has learned that Popes Rides and Concessions will not be setting up on the Great Lawn for the 4^th of July weekend as planned. "This is an unfortunate change of plans," said CEO Jim Rippy. "However, we have contracted with a couple of different inflatable vendors to set up their bounce houses, obstacle courses and basketball goals on the Great Lawn throughout the weekend." Rippy went on to add that there will be no additional charge for children to enjoy the inflatables and train rides on the Great Lawn, they will be free with park admission. "We are disappointed about the Carnival, but we are glad that we have found the inflatables and some special food trucks to fill in throughout the weekend," Rippy added.

The Fourth of July weekend is packed at the park. This is the planned schedule:

• Saturday, July 2^nd

10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.- Inflatables on the Great Lawn (FREE with park admission)

2:00 p.m.- Special "Missing Man Chair" Ceremony at Magnolia Place Liberty Hall in Freedom Square (Provided by the local Rolling Thunder Tennessee Chapter VI)

5:00 p.m.- Park Closes for one hour

6:00 p.m.- Gates open on the Great Lawn for the Second "Southern Nights" music festival featuring a Wine Garden, Beer Garden, Cigar Bar and special food tents and trucks.

7:00 p.m.- Olivia Faye

8:30 p.m.- 24-Seven

• Sunday, July 3^rd

10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.- Inflatables on the Great Lawn (FREE with park admission)

• Monday, July 4^th

10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.- All General Admission tickets just $10.00, plus tax

10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.- Inflatables & food on the Great Lawn (FREE with park admission)

2:00 p.m.- Ringing of the Liberty Bell 13 times for the 13 colonies, and the reading of the Declaration of Independence on the steps of Magnolia Place Liberty Hall by local story-teller, John Hall

5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.- FREE Admission to the Great Lawn

7:30 p.m.- Live music by Avonlea (Music sponsored by Tennessee National Guard)

9:00 p.m.- FIREWORKS (Sponsored by the City of Union City)

Park officials say that it is "all hands on deck" as the park prepares for a big crowd this weekend. "We have added food vendors, food tents and lots of free, fun inflatables for the children," Rippy said. "We are hoping that this year, with the bounce houses, fun food, live music and free admission after 5:00 to the Great Lawn, that our friends and neighbors will park and come into the park for the Fourth of July Celebration," he added.

Discovery Park is located at 830 Everett Blvd. in Union City, TN. You can find out more about the park by visiting the website at www.discoveryparkofamerica.com . The park is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and is a unique blend of history, science, architecture, art and fun.