ROGERSVILLE - The contemporary Christian band Mercy Me, along with up-and-coming country group the Eli Young Band, will headline the 2012 Rogersville 4th of July Celebration, according to Dr. Blaine Jones, committee chairman, who made the announcement on Wednesday.
   
"This will be the biggest lineup of entertainment in the history of the celebration," Jones said.  "We are very excited to announce that the Eli Young Band and contemporary Christian artists Mercy Me will be sharing the stage at this year's celebration.  Never before have two major artists like this graced the stage at the Rogersville 4th of July Celebration."
   
Mercy Me is known by fans for the crossover song "I Can Only Imagine," which surpassed one million digital downloads to become the first song in Christian music to go platinum in the digital domain.  
   
They have also received eight Dove Awards, been honored by the American Music Awards and received numerous Grammy nominations.  Mercy Me was also named Billboard Magazine's Number One Christian Song Artist of the Decade in 2009.  They have sold out venues including Radio City Music Hall and have been seen on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, CNN, Fox News Channel's Fox & Friends, ABC News, CBS' The Early Show, and featured in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, USA Today, Billboard Magazine, and more.
   
The Eli Young Band (EYB) is more recently known for their number one song "Crazy Girl," released last year.  They were nominated for an Academy of Country Music award as the Top New Vocal Group or Duo, as well as for 2010 Top New Vocal Group at the 45th Academy of County Music Awards.  
   
EYB's previous album, Jet Black & Jealous, debuted at number five on the Billboard Country Albums Chart in 2008.  One title from that project, "Always The Love Songs," provided that Top 10 breakthrough while the group earned critical acclaim from People, USA Today, Billboard, The New Yorker, American Songwriter, and Country Weekly and picked up television appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Tonight Show.  They have opened shows for Alan Jackson, Jason Aldean and the Dave Matthews Band.
   
"In 2011, the Rogersville 4th of July Celebration Committee hit a home run when they brought The Band Perry to town...," Dr. Jones said.  "In 2012, they are looking to hit the proverbial grand slam."
   
Both performances are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, July 4 at Rogersville City Park.
   
"Last year, we had record crowds, record sales and rave reviews over our show.  We have had Brad Paisley, Sawyer Brown, Diamond Rio and many others, but we have never been able to have a lineup like this," Jones added.  "We have wanted so badly to have a major Christian group at our event and, finally, in 2012 our prayers have been answered.  We always give God the glory for this event and this year it will especially be true."
   
Rogersville's annual 4th of July Celebration is a free event, sponsored by area businesses and industries, as well as donations from individuals and families.
   
Headline entertainers, free rides, games and exhibits for children, and one of the Southeast's largest fireworks displays characterize the event, in addition to free swimming at Rogersville City Pool, the State Championship 4 Mile Road Race, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, and host of free regional entertainment throughout the day.  
   
"We try our best to have something for everyone to enjoy and this year will be more of the same," Jones added.  "For many people, this will be their vacation because they cannot afford to travel, so we want to make this a free day of family fun for everybody."
   
The Rogersville 4th of July Celebration is part of Four Square, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization headquartered in Rogersville, and takes place with the help of an all-volunteer staff and committee.
   
Monetary donations to help cover costs of the event may be mailed to "Rogersville 4th of July Celebration, c/o Four Square, Inc., P.O. Box 35, Rogersville, Tennessee  37857."
   
Those who would like to become a major event sponsor should call Dr. Jones at (423) 272-3150.
   
"We obviously need many sponsors to support this year's event and we have many ways of advertising and promoting corporations or businesses who want to be major sponsors," Jones concluded.  "This is a wonderful event and could be one of the largest celebrations in the town's history."    
   
For updates and more information about the 4th of July Celebration as they become available, visit the Web site at http://rogersville4thofjuly.com .