Cove Lake State Park is “the” place to be on the 4th of July

CAMPBELL COUNTY, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF)- The group that is presenting the Veterans 4th and Norris Highlands Expo was formed in 2025 by members of the Campbell County Historical Society (501c3). The goal is to promote a six-County Semiquincentennial, the 250th, Celebration of America.

The celebration will be held at Cove Lake State Park, Saturday, July 4, 2026, 1-7pm.

“Our Norris Highlands coalition consists of Campbell, Anderson, Claiborne, Morgan, Scott and Union counties. We have Revolutionary War history to display and unique patriotic heritage to share,” said Bill Claiborne, member of the Campbell County Historical Society Board. The event will feature music, patriotic speeches, vendors, food trucks and a veterans tribute, according to Claiborne. He adds that there will also be an expo of heritage sites and tourist attractions to showcase from around the Norris Highlands/Backwoodz region.

“We’re saying goodbye to the recently closed Cove Lake State Park Swimming Pool, and we are encouraging all former lifeguards to attend for a reunion. Our festivities will be located on the recently renovated grounds of that historic pool,” said Claiborne.

On July 4, at the celebration, there will also be promotion of the introduction of a new driving trail for the region. The trail is named The Norris Highlands Freedom Trail.

Festivities begin early in the day with a parade starting from Jacksboro and traveling to Cove Lake State Park. There will also be a Veterans Appreciation Picnic at the park.

This event is open to the public at no charge.

Contact the Campbell County Historical Society and Museum in La Follette for more information at 423.566.3581. The museum is at 235 East Central Avenue. You can also learn more HERE. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-06/12/2026-6AM)