Rebecca Johnson
Tecumseh to Mark Independence Day with Reunion Weekend, ‘largest fireworks show ever’
Tecumseh will celebrate the Fourth of July with a three-day slate of events July 3-5 that pairs the city’s Independence Day festivities with an all-school reunion, capped by what organizers are billing as the City of Tecumseh’s largest fireworks show ever.
The fireworks begin about 10 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at dusk at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, with patriotic music broadcast on an FM station listed on signs around the grounds. Organizers encourage attendees to bring a lawn chair or blanket and arrive early.
Friday, July 3, festivities include breakfast by Adeline’s Bakery (7 to 10 a.m., 4-H Building), a Cemetery Walk with the Johnson County Museum (9:30 to 10:30 a.m., $20), an Opera House sneak peek (2 to 4 p.m.), burgers and hot dogs by The Grain Bin (6 to 8 p.m.) and music by Kevin McKinney ‘85 at 7 p.m. at the fairgrounds.
Saturday, July 4, opens with the Avenue of Flags on the courthouse lawn, another Adeline’s breakfast, the Cemetery Walk, a Box Lunch & Learn on the Atlas Missile Base (noon, Community Building, $25) and a second Opera House sneak peek. Free evening activities at the fairgrounds from 7 to 9 p.m. include a golf simulator, a youth golf clinic for grades 3-8, and free hot dogs, water, cotton candy and popcorn while supplies last. Live music by the Corson Branch Buzzard Club (Max Morrissey ‘06) runs from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. ahead of the fireworks.
The weekend closes Sunday, July 5, with the Avenue of Flags on the courthouse lawn and a performance by Daniel Christian ‘98 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Front Porch Winery in Crab Orchard. The Johnson County Museum is open all weekend beginning at 10 a.m.
Auburn is the Place to Bee for America’s 250
Auburn will mark the nation’s 250th anniversary with a three-day Independence Day celebration July 3-5, themed “America 250: Auburn’s the Place to Bee.”
Friday, July 3, activities run at Legion Memorial Park, including firefighter water fights, a wildlife trailer, carnival games, a dunk tank, concessions and scavenger hunts. A Crackerjack Gymnastics demonstration begins at 6 p.m., followed by the Summer Sounds Concert with Chicago tribute band Chicago Invasion from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 4, moves to the Auburn High School campus, with the Avenue of Flags at Legion Memorial Park from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a disc golf tournament at 8 a.m. The Southeast Community Band performs at 2 p.m. in the AHS gym, with a veterans recognition, the Gettysburg Address presented by Billy Hayes, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and vocalist Alayna Gerdes. Evening activities from 5 to 9 p.m. include inflatables, an FFA dunk tank, games, a fire department cookout (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.), free Bomb Pops while supplies last and a DJ from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. The Eagles Club fireworks display begins at 10 p.m. at Auburn High School.
The celebration closes Sunday, July 5, with the Great American Potluck hosted by area churches at noon at the Auburn Christian Church Family Life Center.
Brownville to Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with All-Day Fourth of July Festival
The village of Brownville will host its annual Fourth of July Freedom Celebration and Freedom Run on Saturday, July 4, 2026, with events running throughout the day.
This year’s celebration marks America’s 250th birthday and kicks off the Freedom Run at 7 a.m. Registration starts at 6 a.m. at the corner of Highway 136 and Main Street.
Brownville Eastern Star will serve breakfast at Town Hall from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Also at 8 a.m., Blue Star Mothers will hold a Quilts of Valor presentation and patriotic program in front of Town Hall.
At 9 a.m., the Strut Your Mutt Dog Show will take place on Main Street in front of the Lyceum. Parade lineup also begins at 9 a.m. on Water Street, with fire trucks and rescue vehicles staging along 6th Street. No registration is required to participate in the parade.
The parade sets off at 10 a.m. along Main Street between 6th Street and Highway 136. Children’s activities will follow the parade on the lawn west of Brownville Market on Main Street, featuring bounce houses, an obstacle course, face painters, balloon artists, snacks and a kids race. Hearts United for Animals will also be on hand with dogs and puppies available for adoption.
The Schoolhouse Art Gallery at 427 Main St. will host a 3-D From A Tree Art Show by Randy Perry from after the parade until 4 p.m., with free cookies and lemonade. Brownville Village Theatre will hold a matinee performance at 3:30 p.m.
Those wishing to pre-register for the Freedom Run or who have questions may contact Jaime Sullwold at 402-209-4192.
