Over the last decade or so, the Independence Day celebrations in the Upper East Side of Texas have evolved from a few firecrackers here and there to full on parades, concerts, and spectacular fireworks shows. The holiday falls on a Friday this year which is likely to amplify the patriotic fun around the region. Unless otherwise noted, activities noted below take place on July 4.
The Terrell Freedom Fest is from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Terrell Municipal Airport and No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum. Gates open at 6 p.m., giving attendees plenty of time to enjoy delicious food from an assortment of food trucks, engage in a variety of children’s activities, and explore the historic grounds of the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum.
Highlighting the evening is a spectacular free fireworks show set to begin approximately 30 minutes past dusk with a breathtaking display of color and lights. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the fireworks comfortably. For safety reasons, personal fireworks and glass containers are not permitted at the event.
Longview’s Fireworks and Freedom Celebration starts at 6 p.m. on the Longview Convention Complex. Activities include a free concert, fireworks, cruise night and patriotic car show, vendors and entertainment, children’s music, hot dog eating contest, and trivia contest. Food and beverages are available for purchase.
Two airshows are presented by the Cedar Creek Lake Veterans Foundation over the holiday weekend. Thunder Over East Texas Air Show takes place at the Athens Municipal Airport on July 4. The gates open at 3 p.m. with the show starting at 6 p.m. The crowd favorite is Randy Ball, MiG pilot who is the only jet demo pilot (military or civilian) that has been granted both day and night unlimited aerobatic rating in jet fighters by the FAA.
Thunder Over Cedar Creek Lake Airshow is from 6 to 9 p.m. on July 5 just off the shores of the Cedar Creek Lake Pinnacle Club. It offers up close and personal experiences with fighter jets, aerial acrobatics, and formation flight teams.
The Cedar Creek Veterans Foundation is also presenting Warbird Expo from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 5 at the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. The Warbird Expo is an opportunity to see planes up close, talk to pilots and even schedule rides on planes performing in the Thunder Over East Texas.
For tickets and more information, go to www.ccveteransfoundation.org.
Palestine Independence Day Fireworks Display is Thursday, July 3 at A.M. Story Intermediate School at sunset. Numerous food trucks are on site.
See the Stone Temple Pilots perform at Lights on the Lake in Pecan Grove Park in Sherman on July 3. The celebration includes live music, vendors, and fireworks. Bring a picnic and bring lawn chairs.
The Crape Myrtle Festival and Parade is July 3-4 at the Waxahachie Sports Complex and Downtown. The Crape Myrtle Capital of Texas presents a concert followed by a fireworks show with patriotic music choreographed to the show. The parade takes place downtown on the Fourth of July.
Winnsboro’s Fireworks on the Fourth takes place at Pleasure Point Park, County Road 4860 on Lake Winnsboro. The Winnsboro Chamber of Commerce invites visitors to experience the beauty of the lake while enjoying a spectacular fireworks show.
See Freedom Fest at I.O.O.F. Park, North 45th Street, in Corsicana with live entertainment, family fun, and fireworks.
Nacogdoches’ Freedom Fest is a day-long celebration in Festival Park with T-shirt giveaways, fun activities, live music, food, and a fireworks display.
Many other small towns and bigger towns like Tyler and Texarkana will celebrate big on July 4. Check individual city websites for details.
