Soon after Tipton was organized, the celebration of the Fourth of July became a special event. In 1887 a picture appeared in The Tipton Times of a cannon, which had been borrowed from Jefferson City, and the caption stated that this cannon was to be fired during the Fourth of July celebration that year. That celebration nearly ended in disaster because when the cannon was fired, it burst into fragments and many of the fragments shot a great distance from the firing site. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured.

Rivalry in Fourth of July celebrations was spirited between neighboring towns. Both Tipton and Clarksburg had strong G.A.R. organizations. Instead of an exploding cannon, Clarksburg featured a barbecue and a baseball game as part of their 1887 celebration.

More recent celebrations have been highlighted by a fireworks display on the golf course greens at the Tipton Country Club. Contributions from various groups, businesses, and individuals make this annual display possible.

In 1976, the Bicentennial Committee is planning an old-fashioned community picnic for the Fourth of July. An ecumenical church service will be held at the Fairgrounds. A basket dinner and an evening of games and entertainment will lead to the fireworks display at the Country Club grounds.