INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS APLENTY THIS WEEKEND

  

There is no shortage of activities around the area this weekend to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Here are some of the events planned in Washington and surrounding counties:

FRIDAY:

• In Brenham, a car parade will be held to celebrate Independence Day for local senior citizens. The parade will travel by Brenham Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, High Hope Care Center, Kruse Village, Argent Court, Focused Care and Silversage Assisted Living.  Participants should meet at the Brenham High School parking lot by 9:45 a.m.
• Giddings will host the Grimes Street Music Fest at Veterans Park beginning at 5 p.m. The Lost Cause Band and Texas Unlimited Band will provide entertainment, and there will be food vendors, games, and arts and crafts.
• Navasota’s 3^rd Annual Freedom Festival begins with a parade in downtown at 6 p.m., followed by a performance from the Brown Sugar Band at Navasota City Hall at 7 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. at Brule Field.

SATURDAY:

• Harmonie Hall in Shelby will have a dance with music by the Risky Liver Band from 8 p.m. to midnight. Doors open at 7 p.m.  Tickets are $10 cash at the door, and food and snacks can be purchased in the kitchen.  A cash bar and set ups will be available.  No outside drinks are allowed.

SUNDAY:

• “Fury on the 3^rd” will bring professional bull riding to the Lee County Sheriff’s Posse Arena in Giddings. Gates open at 6 p.m., and rodeo events begin at 7 p.m.   Activities will include Shark Cage, Bull Poker, Kids Mutton Bustin’, and rodeo clown Johnny “Backflip” Dudley.  Tickets are $20 for adults, $5 for kids 7-14, and free for children 6 and under.
• Elizabeth Lutheran Church in Caldwell will host a celebration beginning at 6 p.m., with live music from the Jamie Jennings Band, a silent auction, food trucks, a kids zone and a fireworks display. Admission is free.

MONDAY:

• Chappell Hill’s 45^th Independence Day Parade gets underway at 10 a.m. in downtown, featuring the firing of the Kingfisher Cannon and the “World Famous Marching Kazoo Band”. After the parade, Rob Moorman & Company will perform, and there will be shopping, dining, food vendors and face painting.
• Round Top’s 172^nd Annual Fourth of July Parade and Celebration will get started at 10:30 a.m. on the town square with the firing of the Round Top Cannon. The parade will be followed by a barbecue meal at the Round Top Rifle Hall, along with music from the Round Top Brass Band, the Round Top Jam Session, and Cool Freddie E and the Crew.
• Downtown Independence will start its Fourth of July festivities at 2 p.m. with a trail ride, leading into a parade at 5 p.m. The Risky Liver Band will perform after the parade, and a fireworks display will be held at 9 p.m.
• Bellville will host its first-ever Red White and Free Festival at the Austin County Fairgrounds. The fun begins at 5 p.m. with a children’s wagon parade and other kids’ activities, food vendors, live music, and an appearance from Phenix Knives.  There will also be a fireworks show produced by Michael Swansey.
• Burton American Legion Post #242’s annual Fourth of July Picnic will begin at 11 a.m. at the Burton Community Center. Barbecue will be served by the plate or by the pound.  Guests can also enjoy Bingo, games, live and silent auctions, and refreshments.  Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 6-12.
• The Kenney Agricultural Hall will begin its celebration at 11 a.m. with the serving of beef, pork and mutton. There will also be a cake walk, a silent auction, a live auction, a prize drawing, refreshments and music.  Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children 6 and under.