Signature fireworks event Thunder in the Park will return to Wilson Park in Maynardville for the third year. The event is set for 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, with fireworks starting at 9:50 p.m.

Thunder in the Park debuted in 2016, the brainchild of former Union County Chamber of Commerce president Leslie Corum. Last year, the Union County Mayor's Office took charge of the event, and this year it returns to the Chamber under guidance of new president Thomas Skibinski. Thunder in the Park is funded by Union County Commission through the hotel/motel tax, plus contributions from sponsors Ray Varner Ford and David McCollough State Farm.

"The benefit is to raise the visibility of Union County. Many people, even though they're longtime residents of the surrounding areas, may know about Norris Lake but not Union County," Skibinski said. "There are tangible benefits to businesses on that day. If you're coming into Maynardville, people may not know of the great restaurants we have and other amenities."

In its first year, Thunder in the Park drew 10,000 people, not just from Union County but from around the region. Last year's event attendance was hampered by the weather, but there was still a good turnout.

Pyro Shows, the same company that did fireworks for the former Knoxville fireworks event Boomsday, is doing Thunder in the Park's fireworks again this year. There will be food and craft vendors, plus activities for all ages. Kids activities include Shriners go-carts, face painting, balloon animals and pony rides. For older kids and adults, there will be a 24-foot-tall rock climbing wall.

Food options will include barbecue, festival food like funnel cakes and gyros, a hot and cold coffee vendor and more.

Live music will entertain festival-goers prior to the fireworks. Maynardville rock band This Ends Now will open the show, followed by bluegrass from Stoney Point Band of Knoxville in two sets right up to the start of the fireworks.

There will also be a cruise-in coordinated by Charlie Hamilton. Sponsor Ray Varner Ford will be set up by the cruise-in, and folks are welcome to bring their cars free of charge and enter to win prizes.

Promotion of the event is underway on social media, and promotional radio spots on WDVX will start soon.

Skibinski thanked the event's sponsors for their generosity.

"It helps with the logistics of the event," he said. "It helps lessen the burden on the hotel/motel tax, and I was able to request less tax dollars because of them. Both of them have been an absolute joy to work with."

The event is free, and attendees should bring chairs or blankets to sit on. Volunteers are needed, and anyone interested should call the Chamber of Commerce office for info.

"It should be a great time overall because it's a family-friendly event," said Skibinski. "This is a different kind of event for Union County and a great way to close out the summer."

Info: Union County Chamber of Commerce, 865-992-2811