Nioka Curtis

AN OLD FASHIONED FOURTH IN DOWNTOWN WAVERLY, TN

This July 4th, downtown Waverly, the heart of Humphreys County, came alive for our first ever Old Fashioned Fourth celebration. From the motorless parade to festive food, live music, and family fun, our town square felt like a scene straight out of a Hallmark movie filled with smiles, nostalgia, and genuine hometown pride.

Motorless Parade and Contests Hit Home

The morning kicked off at 10 AM with the wildly imaginative motorless parade. Bicycles, decorated wagons, and even a toilet on wheels rolled through town in patriotic flair. One happy rider shared on Facebook, “This was seriously the cutest parade I have ever seen in Humphreys.”

That parade spirit carried into a series of lively contests. Patriotic pets, cornhole, pie eating, hula hoop, watermelon eating, husband calling, and bubble gum blowing kept the crowd laughing and cheering until the afternoon.

Vintage Film and Family Entertainment

We cooled off at the Mi-De-Ga Theater with a vintage film screening at 1 PM and again at 3 PM,

earning praise for its nostalgic vibe and historical charm. When the stage lit up for the evening, families gathered on the square with cowboy boots and lawn chairs, soaking in the sun and tunes.

Food, Vendors, and Small Town Flavor

Local food vendors added that extra savory and sweet touch with burgers, ice cream, and handcrafted mocktails. One Instagram post summed it up, “Food trucks plus live band plus dancing in the square equals the perfect July 4 in Waverly.”

Nearby businesses stayed open, offering specials and sidewalk sales, enhancing the authentic Waverly experience amid downtown historic storefronts and flags.

Music, Dancing, and Community Connection

From 4 to 7 PM the square transformed into a dance floor, with live music that got everyone-kids, parents, and grandparents-up and dancing. One attendee wrote on Facebook, “Never felt more like a community than when people were line dancing together.”

Watching generations share space, moves, and moments reminded us why events in Humphreys County matter. They bring people together and create lasting memories.

What Made It Special

Nostalgic format-motorless parade, vintage film, festive crowd

Family focused and free-accessible and fun for all ages
Community pride-the heart of Waverly shone brightly

Keep the Spirit Going-What’s Next

The summer’s just heating up in Humphreys County. Coming soon:

St. Patrick’s Picnic in McEwen-171st Annual Event known for signature BBQ and Sauce
Motocross at Loretta Lynn’s in nearby Hurricane Mills-adrenaline packed races and family entertainment

We Want Your Voice

Did you capture a favorite moment-whether a winning cornhole toss, a dancing dog, or a sunset selfie on the square-Drop your photos, tag us, and let us know.

What was your standout moment?
Any ideas to make next July 4th even bigger?

Thank you Waverly and everyone from McEwen to Hurricane Mills for making our inaugural Old Fashioned Fourth an unforgettable day. See you soon at our next community celebration.

#OldFashionedFourth #WaverlyTN #HumphreysCounty #McEwenTN #LorettaLynns #FamilyFun SmallTownUSA