The peaceful park on South Holston Lake in eastern Sullivan County is home to fun-loving campers who want to get away from town. Officials are planning for another great event at the park for Independence Day. With Memorial Day on the horizon, plans are firming up.
Sullivan County Commissioner Mark A. Vance of Bristol is coordinating much of the planning. Vance tells us the event will be spread over second, third, and fourth - as Indepence Day (July 4th) falls on Sunday this year.
Celebrating Independence
Johnson City has cancelled the Pepsi-Indepence Day Celebration, traditionally held at Freedom Hall. This makes the second year the region's largest event has cancelled since the COVID-19 pandemic. With state restrictions all but gone, and the CDC recommendations following suit, it's a no-brainer for Sullivan County officials to plan for an even bigger and better event than last year.
Background on the park
Ob-Knob, as it's affectionately known, is a seasonal campground operated by Sullivan County. The land is owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority. In the 1970s the park had a ranger's cabin at the campground entrance and a small diner/convenience store in the park outside the campground. Initial plans for a pool and more bath houses never panned out.
The park is routinely booked on most all sites, especially during Memorial Day weekend - yet the park barely breaks even. The budget committee has discussed various ways to make the park more profitable with Observation Knob Park Committee members.
Long-term campers have erected decks in some areas. The park draws many regulars who enjoy camping and fishing in the area.
Check out this arial video of Observation Knob Park
2021 Fireworks
The Observation Knob Community Events page on Facebook continues to keep the public updated on planning for this year's extravaganza. Vance continues to collect sponsors and vendors for the weekend. Organizers will sell t-shirts, with the logo of all sponsors and vendors, to fund the fireworks for the event.
At present there are inflatables scheduled for the kids, several bands, food and craft vendors, and more. Sponsors include:
- Frilly Feet Accessories
- Delightfully Design
- Burke, Powers, & Harty Insurance
- Painter Creek Marina
- Friendship Marina
Vendors
The following vendors have signed on for this year (more sure to follow):
- J's Smokin' BBQ
- Allison Concessions
- Kona Ice
- Best Popped
- Shane's Place
- The Pink Cactus
More to see and do
There's plenty more to see and do at the Ob-Knob park and campground. South Holston Lake is a big draw. Swimming, fishing, boating, and lounging in the sun are popular here.
The Independence Day celebration may inconvenience a few with the traffic influx, but the routes to Bristol, Abingdon, and Mountain City allow for good egress when everyone's done. It's the weekend and the days of summer will be here soon enough.
Take your time and enjoy yourself and the amenities offered. You're sure to have a good time.