Farragut celebrates Independence Day with annual parade

By Ken Lay

The Town of Farragut celebrated America’s 247th birthday Tuesday morning with its annual Fourth of July Parade.

The parade began under overcast skies but that didn’t dampen the celebration as local politicians, candidates and business representatives marched the streets of Downtown Farragut, along with area students, robotics teams, bands and color guards.

Marchers along the parade route handed out candy and various souvenirs as spectators lined the curbs and sidewalks.

The 2023 Grand Marshal was no stranger to local high school sports fans as Farragut High School’s longtime head football coach Eddie Courtney was tapped to represent the town’s Independence Day celebration that was preceded by the Farragut Freedom Run and was nearly one-and-a-half hours in length.

Among the political office holders to appear at the festive event were Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, U.S. Representative Tim Burchett and state Representative Jason Zachary.

Courtney, a state championship winning football coach, said that it was an honor to be the parade’s grand marshal in 2023.

“What an honor for such a special day,” Courtney said. “We totally enjoyed the engagement with all the participants and all those who lined Kingston Pike to celebrate and recognize all who served, sacrificed and (are) still protecting our country.”

The Hardin Valley color guard also participated in the parade and instructor C.J. McCrory said that she and her students enjoyed helping Farragut celebrate Independence Day.

“The parade was amazing,” she said. “We had such a wonderful time.”