By MIKE KRAFCIK
6 News Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) – Despite the extreme heat, one local church went ahead with their summer festival Sunday. The seventh-annual Grace American Cookout and fireworks show was held at Grace Baptist Church in Karns.
In the middle of the heat wave with temperatures in the triple digits, the event still attracted thousands.
Organizers said this year, in order to combat the extreme temperatures, cool-down tents were set up, along with water slides. Additional rescue squads were also on-site, which included the Knoxville Volunteer Rescue Squad and the Blount County Rescue Squad.
"We brought as many as we could. We've also got the bomb squad, fire department, police department here, we tried to do enough so we have enough agencies here," said Rob Hammond, an event organizer.
Even though many towns and cities in East Tennessee canceled their fireworks displays because of the hot weather, Hammond said they took the proper precautions to get the show up and running.
"Our launch site has some gravel and concrete, and we've also have done some precaution of wetting down the dry grass in the area, we had fire department right on stand-by," said Hammond.
Last year the event was estimated to draw around 5,000 people. 6 News Chief Meteorologist Matt Hinkin served as emcee at the event.
Despite several cities canceling their fireworks shows, the show went on at Grace Baptist Church.
Law enforcement officers kept a close eye on celebrations to make sure spectators stayed safe.
Chief Meteorologist Matt Hinkin served as emcee at the event.
