By Joel Spears
Features Editor

ROGERSVILLE - The Rogersville 4th of July Celebration Committee has made it official, country music artist Aaron Tippin will headline this year's 4th of July Celebration at City Park.
    "We are pleased to announce that country music star Aaron Tippin will cap off another great day of fun and entertainment" said Dr. Blaine Jones, organizer. "The Rogersville 4th of July Celebration Committee is proud to continue its long-standing tradition of providing quality entertainment and a fun, free day of activities to Rogersville and the surrounding area. Having Tippin on stage will certainly help us honor that."
    While Jones said the full day of activities promises to have something everybody can enjoy, he noted all festivities will be held on Saturday, July 3 this year to avoid inconveniences with Sunday church services.
    It is also noteworthy that Tippin will perform in Rogersville on his birthday.
    Aaron Tippin entered the music scene in 1990 when he released the song "You've Got To Stand For Something." Because of that track, Tippin was invited by ate entertainer Bob Hope to appear when he toured the Middle East and entertained troops serving in Desert Storm.
    In the years that followed, his career flourished with five certified gold and one platinum album.
    Tippin has had many hit songs including: "I Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way," "There Ain't Nothin' Wrong With The Radio," "My Blue Angel," "Working Man's Ph. D.," "The Call Of The Wild," "I Got It Honest," "That's As Close As I'll
Get To Loving You," "For You I Will," and "Kiss This."
    Following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 Tippin released the song "Where The Stars And Stripes And The Eagle Fly."
    "This emotional anthem is often used in Independence Day fireworks music soundtracks to remind people what means to be an American," Tippin said.
    He has since traveled to Iraq and Afghanistan to sing for the troops. These missions, in turn, have earned him guest spots on Larry King Live and Hannity & Colmes.
    While Tippin prepares to make his way to Rogersville, the 4th of July Committee and its
volunteers will be busy preparing for the day.
    "We plan to have plenty of activities for everyone on Saturday, July 3," Jones said. "We
will have the ever popular Kids Zone, free swimming, a 3 on 3 basketball tournament, the annual parade, local and regional entertainment and many other activities through out the day.
    Of course, Bob and Julie Smith with Dynamic Effects and Fireworks Company will end the day with a fireworks show."
    The Rogersville 4th of July Celebration Committee continues to provide the annual celebration as a non profit, all volunteer organization in association with the non-profit 4 Square Inc. which provides multiple activities for Rogersville and the surrounding area.
    Funds to pay for the 4th of July Celebration consists entirely of donations from individuals,
families, businesses and industries, as well as major sponsors for parts of the show.
    Donations may be made to the Rogersville 4th of July Celebration, P.O. Box 35, Rogersville, TN 37857.
    Anyone who would like to consider being a major sponsor may contact Dr. Jones at (423)
272-3150 for more info.