Things to Do in July in McKinney, Texas

McKinney, Texas is the nation's fastest growing city and has a population of over 120,000. McKinney is located just 30 miles north of Dallas, Texas and is becoming a popular destination for people in the area looking for activities that are safe and fun for the family.

Below is a sampling of the upcoming fun activities, celebrations and family friendly events taking place in July. Traditional and entertaining summer events such as fireworks displays to celebrate Independence Day, antique car shows, and jazz music in the park.

July 4^th Independence Day Celebration - Red White and Boom!

This year, on July 4^th, 2008, the first annual Red White and Boom! festival will be held in historic McKinney, Texas. The two day festival will span across the town of McKinney from the historic downtown square to the Craig Ranch area. The event will strive to showcase all that McKinney has to offer, such as the natural beauty of the area, community spirit, and unique shopping and dining venues.

Craig Ranch and the City of McKinney are the main sponsors of the event, but the planning committee includes representatives from both public and private organizations and businesses. The McKinney City Council hopes to create a signature event that will bring residents of McKinney as well as neighboring visitors across the DFW metroplex together to celebrate the town and discover all the new things the town has to offer.

The Red White and Boom! event starts on July 4th and activities in the historic downtown area in the morning and then evening activities at the McKinney Soccer Complex at Craig Ranch. Activities include a parade, car show, sidewalk sales, veterans salute, crape myrtle trails tours, live music, airplane fly-over by the Flight of the Phoenix Escadrille, a performance by former American Idol contestant Josh Gracin, and the largest fireworks display in the area.

The Red White and Boom! event will wrap up on July 5th in the historic downtown area with sidewalk sales and the 13th annual Killis Melton ice cream crank-off.

All Red White and Boom! activities are free and open to the public.

Jammin' in July - Music in the Park

Every Thursday night in July there will be live music at Towne Lake Park, presented by the McKinney Parks and Recreation department. The whole family can enjoy the sights and sounds of Towne Lake and listen to live music by a different group each Thursday night. Music and fun begin at 7:30 pm and end at 8:30 pm. On July 10^th, music will be provided by Havana NRG. On July 17^th, music will be provided by Latin Jazz. On July 24^th, music will be provided by McKinney Community Band. On July 31^st, music will be provided by Creative Arts Jazz Orchestra.

Towne Lake is located at 1405 Wilson Creek Parkway. Towne Lake recreation area offers restrooms, picnic facilities, BBQ grills, pavilions, playgrounds, hike and bike trails, plenty of parking, volleyball and horseshoe courts, and a lake with a dock. You can call 972-547-2690 for more information on the Jammin' in July event or for more info on Towne Lake in general.

Hawaiian Night

The 8^th annual Hawaiian Night is presented by the McKinney Parks and Recreation department. This years Hawaiian Night event will be held on July 19^th at the Juanita Maxfield Aquatic Center. Event starts at 5:30 pm and ends at 8:00 pm. There will water activities, music, games, food, and fun for the entire family! The Juanita Maxfield Aquatic Center is located at 1701 North McDonald. For more information on Hawaiian Night, call 972-542-9718.

NOTE: I've only listed the dates and time for 2008, but be sure to check the City of McKinney website each year because all of these celebrations are most likely going to be ongoing annual events.

Source:

www.mckinneytexas.org