July 4th: Independence Day Festivities in Texas

Independence Day, or 4^th of July as it is commonly called, is a day of fireworks, picnics and idle days at the beach or lake. In Texas, it is a reason to party! Whether you are looking for family fun with the kids or a raucous good time with your friends, it can be found in Texas and with minimal cost!

Fireworks are usually the first thing people think about on this summer holiday and they come in every size and variation. Some people would prefer the individual ones that can be bought at local firework stands which populate the countryside almost as much as Texas fire ants! But, because Texas is usually knee-deep in drought season around July, there are laws banning the sale of fireworks. So, these days, cities are hiring companies to create wildly spectacular firework shows that can be viewed either for free or for minimal parking fee. Firework displays can be found, list after list, in local newspapers and, frequently, there are too many to be named.

But what if you just aren't into parking with hundreds of people to watch a light show? You would rather have a quieter fare to celebrate the 4^th? Well Texas is the place for you as well.

June 8-Aug. 18(Tues-Sat): Canyon, Texas. If you want a quieter fare, try the outdoor musical drama, TEXAS!, that is performed in the Palo Dura Canyon near Amarillo. The stage is in front of a 600-foot cliff and the sunsets are spectacular during the performance. The best of Texas' collegiate and adult actors are hired for this show that is performed annually. Time: 8:30pm. Cost: $7.50-$27.50. Tickets during preview week (June 4-7) will be discounted 25%. A steak dinner is available nightly from 6-8 pm for $13.25 per adult and $9.95 for children 11 and under (plus tax). Location: Pioneer Amphitheater in Palo Duro Canyon - near Amarillo, TX. For information, call 806-655-2181 or visit www.texas-show.com.

June 13 - July 21: Dallas Shakespeare Festival. Bring a blanket, picnic dinner and your love of ye old Bard for this outdoor show. This year, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet and Love Labour's Lost will be performed on alternating evenings. Friday performances begin at 5pm, Saturday at 1pm. There is a one-hour break for dinner. Cost: Fri. & Sat.: $7 adults/$4 seniors and students. Tues. - Thurs. & Sun.: $7 donation requested. Children 12 and under are free. Location: Samuel - Grand Amphitheater, 6200 East Grand Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75218. For more information, call 214-559-2778.

June 30 - July 1 & 4, 2007Garland's Star Spangled 4^th. Garland's festivities have won awards and it is held in their historic downtown area for the 5-day event. They have food, music, crafts, entertainment for adults and kids, a midway, arts and crafts, motorcycle and auto shows and a nightly parade complete with fireworks and a light and laser show. Cost: Free admission and parking. Location: Historic Downtown Garland. For more information, www.starspangledfourth.com or call (972) 205-2807 or toll-free (888) 879-0264.

June 30 - July 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, and 28-29: Houston's Cricket Summer Concert Series at Traders Village. The Cricket Summer Concert Series is one of the largest music events on the Texas Gulf Coast. Thirteen weekends of concerts by groups such as Johnny Dee and Sisters Morales. Time: 12 noon - 4pm. Cost: Free admission, $2 parking. Location: Traders Village, 7979 North Eldridge Parkway, Houston, TX 77041. For more information, call 281-890-5500 or visit www.tradersvillage.com.

Feb. 17-Aug. 17: Canyon's exhibit of The Paloduro Ranch. Canyon is busy this time of year as it marks the 130^th anniversary of the JA Ranch. This includes the ranch's history from the arrival of Charles Goodnight in 1876 to the present. All history buffs will delight in this more subdued event for the holiday. Time: Regular Museum Hours. Cost: $7 adults, $6 seniors, $3 children 4-12. Location: 2503 4th Avenue. For more information, call 806-651-2244 or visit www.panhandleplains.org.

June 23-Sept. 16: Canyon's exhibit-Training The World To Travel West: Painting of The Southwest From The Burlington Northern. Did I mention that Canyon, Texas, was busy this time of year? This exhibit portrays the year between 1903 and 1933 when the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe Railway purchased over 600 paintings from artists across the U.S. to use to promote the railway. This was the first major collection of American art. Time: Regular Museum Hours. Cost: $7 adults, $6 seniors, $3 children 4-12. Location: 2503 4th Avenue. For more information, call 806-651-2244 or visit www.panhandleplains.org.

July 4: Arlington's Annual 4^th of July Parade. This is organized by the Arlington 4th of July Association and has become one of the largest in Texas. The parade has over 150 entries so come early and bring your comfortable shoes! Time: 9am, lasting about two hours. Cost: Free. Location: UTA/downtown Arlington. For more information, call 817-275-3706 or visit www.arlington4th.com.

July 4: Big Spring's Annual Funtastic 4^th of July Festival. Every city has a 4^th of July festival with fireworks but this one is a bit different. Big Spring has a Battle of the Bands include Tejano, Rock and Country music. Along with great food, family activities and all sorts of entertainment, it also is having Gospel Music contests. Time: 11am. Cost: Free. Location: Heart of the City Park, Downtown Big Spring, Second and Scurry Streets. For more information, call 432-394-4908 or visit www.bigspringmusic.org.

July 4-8: Freeport's 60th Annual Freeport Lions Club Fishin' Fiesta. Want something a little different? Well, how about fishing? This is an annual fishing tournament that normally last 5 days. It includes horseshoe pitching contest, washer pitching, queens contest, VIP dinner, and a carnival for the 5 days at the park. Each fish in the tournament pays $700 for 1st, 2nd is $200 and third is $100 plus plaque. Registration is available. Time: call. Cost: Varies depending on age and entertainment. Location: Freeport Municipal Park, 500 Block SH 288 (Brazosport Blvd.) Freeport, Texas. For more information, call 979-236-8189 or visit www.fishinfiesta.com.

July 4: Richmond's Independence Day at George Ranch Historical Park. A lot of 4^th of July festivals are held in their town's historical districts but this one has a twist...Baseball, politics, children's games & a picnic-basket auction are all 1890's style. This is a day-only event so you can get to those firework displays in your own town. Time: 9am to 5pm. Cost: Adults: $9; Seniors (62+): $8; Students (5-15): $5; Children 4 & younger & members: Free. Location: George Ranch Historical Park 10215 FM 762 Richmond, Texas 77469. For more information, call 281-343-0218 or 281-545-9212.

July 4:Washington-on-the-Brazos' Fireworks Extravaganza. Why not have a good time and teach the kids a little of Texas history? You can celebrate our nation's independence by taking them to the place where Texas declared her own independence! HEB Presents Fireworks-On-The-Brazos with free Blue Bell ice cream and Coca-Cola drinks, live patriotic concert and a fireworks extravaganza. Time: 10am-10pm. Cost: Free. Location: Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, 12300 Park Road 12, Washington, TX 77880. For more information, call 936-878-2214 or visit www.birthplaceoftexas.com.

July 4-7:Belton's 82nd Annual 4th of July Celebration & PRCA Rodeo. This celebration has been taking place since the 1850's. It is a week-long celebration that includes one of Texas' Top Ten parades, a festival on Nolan Creek, a carnival, Texas Old Time Fiddlers' Contest, Patriotic Program, Kick-off Bar-B-Q, Cowboy Breakfast with the rodeo being the highlight of the celebration. Time: vary. Cost: vary. Location: Bell Country Expo Center, 412 E. Central Avenue. For more information, call 254-939-3551 or visit www.rodeobelton.com.

July 4: Austin's H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks. This is a quieter fare and then again it's not! Arrive at dusk at Zilker Park for free music and fireworks. Also bring that blanket and picnic dinner. Time: 8:30 pm at the Northeast Triangle of Zilker Park (Lou Neff Point) The Austin Symphony entertains with patriotic tunes. But watch out when their playing of the 1812 Overture begins. This is the cue for firing of cannons and the start of the 15-minute professional fireworks show! Concert starts at 8:30 PM and at about 9:30 PM the fireworks begin. Free admission; Open to the public; concessions available. There is also a free shuttle from Capital Metro. This is one of several major 4^th of July attractions so arrive early and be patient. Traffic can be trying.

The only disappointment this year is that the annual Willie Nelson 4^th of July Picnic which has been held in Texas since 1972 has been moved to Washington this year. Maybe next year, Willie will return home.

Have a wonderful 4^th of July and be safe!