July 4th Events in Texas

During this year of economic strife, a celebration of our glorious independence may be just what Americans need to develop a hopeful outlook for the future. As citizens of this great country, we should remember those who embraced their destinies and laid the first bricks of the foundation that would become The United States of America. The following is a list of a few July 4^th celebrations around Texas.

The 44^th Annual USA Independence Day Parade Located in the heart of downtown Arlington, Texas, sponsors of this event include Six Flags Over Texas, The Star-Telegram, Time Warner Cable, the City of Arlington, and many more. The Arlington 4^th of July Association presents a parade with over 150 entries highlighting the patriotic theme of "Commemorating Our National Monuments and Memorials." The parade will feature military color guards, marching bands, clowns, dignitaries, and exotic cars to name a few. Festivities begin at 9 am and admission is free. Parade route and directions are provided at www.arlington4th.com.

The 33^rd Annual 4^th of July Parade This Chappell Hill parade is touted as the "Best Small Town Parade in America" and dedicated to saluting children and their past times. Beginning at 10 am, the parade will feature cowboys, antique cars, floats, and the renowned Marching Kazoo Band. Sponsored by the Chappell Hill Texas Chamber of Commerce, children will enjoy seeing how cowboys settled the West. The Summer Cowboy Event is presented at the museum immediately following the parade from 10:30 am to 2 pm. Admission is free and more information can be found on the web site, www.chappellhilltx.com.

The 40^th Annual Rockport Art Festival Rockport Center for the Arts presents this two day festival filled with over 120 artists, music, food, and fun. On Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, a large tent adjacent to the center will have artists' demonstrations and live entertainment. Hands on activities will keep the children occupied while you enjoy the specialty shopping and food. There will be a special performance on Saturday at 8 pm. Visit www.rockportartcenter.com for more information and directions to the festival.

29^th Annual Summerfest 2009 The City of San Marcos sponsors this free event on July 4^th featuring food booths and live entertainment from 5 pm to 11 pm. Musical entertainment includes the LA Blues Band, Zydeco Blanco, David Ybarra, and Trio Faze. Kids will love the activities and parade designed just for them. No pets are allowed and the event is alcohol free. Coolers are subject to inspection. To honor Independence Day, a patriotic program and a fireworks show at 9:30 pm followed by more live music. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit www.summerfestsanmarcos.com.

The 12^th Annual Red, Hot, & Blue Festival This event will have the largest display of fireworks, second only to downtown Houston. The Woodlands hosts a free festival with food booths featuring All-American Concessions and Coca-Cola beverages from 6 pm to 10 pm at Waterway Square. For those with a strong stomach, HEB is sponsoring a hot dog and watermelon eating contest. The kids will love the face painting, caricatures, and inflatable bounce houses. Don't forget the putt-putt golf course for all the semi golf pros out there. Be sure to bring lawn chairs and blankets to stare at the Fireworks Extravaganza sponsored by Woodforest National Bank at 9:30 pm. The festival web site www.thewoodlandscvb.com has a complete list of live entertainment and directions to the event.

Sources:

The Arlington 4^th of July Association, The 44^th Annual USA Independence Day Parade, www.arlington4th.com

Chappell Hill Texas Chamber of Commerce, The 33^rd Annual 4^th of July Parade, www.chappellhilltx.com

Rockport Center for the Arts, The 40^th Annual Rockport Art Festival, www.rockportartcenter.com

The City of San Marcos, 29^th Annual Summerfest 2009, www.summerfestsanmarcos.com

The Woodlands Convention Center and Visitors Bureau, The 12^th Annual Red, Hot, & Blue Festival, www.thewoodlandscvb.com