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Let Freedom Ring, let Jimmie Allen sing!

The Star Spangled Flint is back and bigger than ever with the Country Music Association’s New Artist of the Year and Grammy-nominated artist, Jimmie Allen set to headline.

The fun-filled day will begin at 5 p.m. on July 4, when kids’ activities and vendors open up.

Kids will be able to play on inflatables, water slides, obstacle courses and get their faces painted. They can additionally try their hand at fast-pitch softball and throwing a football.

After hours of fun, families can then walk over to one of thirteen vendors to try any food imaginable.

“There will be alcohol, snow cones, food and Scoops will be there with their ice cream truck,” said Randee Eubanks, Special Events Coordinator for the City of Bainbridge.

Upon ordering their food and drinks, families can then go set up their lawn chair to get ready for entertainment and fireworks.

Beginning ceremonies for the entertainment will kick off at 6 p.m. with the National Anthem.

Opener Ethan Payne will then take the stage at 6:30 p.m.

Payne is a Georgia-born and raised singer/songwriter.

At the age of 13, Payne was called on stage during a concert in Dallas, Texas by his musical icon and mentor, country music superstar Luke Bryan.

The duo began a casual friendship that night in 2016, which still lasts to this day.

Since his original performance with Bryan, Payne has opened shows for Suzy Bogguss, Mark Wills and was invited to perform at the historic Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree in Nashville as a guest of hit songwriter Bobby Tomberlin.

While Payne is living out his life-long dream, he also struggles with Cystic Fibrosis.

Despite any perceived boundaries or obstacles, Payne has pushed through with sheer determination and work ethic. This all paid off in 2020, when he was awarded the Teen Artist of the Year.

Payne is the perfect person to open up for headliner, Jimmie Allen, who embodies that same sense of determination.

Allen moved to Nashville in 2007, after being eliminated from American Idol. He was constantly working multiple jobs just to pay the rent. However, in 2017, everything changed when he signed with BMG’s Stoney Creek/BBR.

He then went on to land his first number one single on Billboard, “Best Shot,” in 2018, before being named the County Music Association’s New Artist of the Year and the Academy of Country Music’s new Male Artist of the Year.

On Friday, he even released his third 17-track album, Tulip Drive, which fans can hopefully hear clips from during July 4.

“We’re just really excited about having him come to Bainbridge,” Eubanks said. “He’s a rising star in country music.”

Eubanks explained they booked Allen almost a year in advance. Following his summer tour, Allen will open up for Carrie Underwood on her worldwide tour.

Eubanks hopes everyone will come out and enjoy the music, but asks that no outside coolers, atvs or golf carts be brought to the Boat Basin.

Following the music, Eubanks encourages everyone to stay for the firework show, which is over 20 minutes long and is boasted to be the largest firework show in Southwest Georgia.

Eubanks thanks all the sponsors who made this possible, including King Kozlarek, Taurus, Visit Bainbridge, Action GM, the City of Bainbridge, Inland and Peoples South Bank.