Jam on Sloss returns July 4

Until mid-June, it was questionable what kind of festivities Russellville would be able to have for the annual Jam on Sloss Lake.

After finally getting everything finalized with fireworks, the Jam has officially been confirmed for July 4 from 5-10 p.m.

“We are so excited to be able to get this back going and get to have everybody out,” said Russellville Mayor David Grissom.

Grissom said for a while there were issues booking fireworks for the grand finale of Jam on Sloss Lake.

“Fireworks right now are like everything else – hard to get,” Grissom said. “It would be kind of hard to have a firework show without fireworks.”

After finally approving the fireworks contract at Monday’s city council meeting, festivities are starting to fall into place.

Since the Fourth of July falls on Sunday this year, it will be a half-day event, instead of most years’ full-day festival.

“This way people can go to church and then spend time with their family before coming out,” said City Councilman Gary Cummins.

Music will kick off at 5 p.m. with gospel band Purpose, followed by the KGB and Tremayne before ending with Rewind of the Shoals.

Inflatables will be available for children to play on, and food vendors will be on site.

One change this year from previous years is there will be no car show.

“They were not comfortable getting out yet and having shows, and we have to respect that,” Cummins said.

Jam on Sloss Lake was one of the events canceled this past year because of COVID-19. The city council tried to host a firework show later in the year but ultimately decided to wait and hold out for a bigger Jam on Sloss Lake 2021.

“It was difficult not planning for it last year,” Cummins said. “I am just ready to have everyone back together and for us to have Jam on Sloss Lake again.”