FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS ABOUND IN AREA

  

A wide range of Fourth of July activities are happening across the region.

Celebrations are set in Washington County and surrounding counties, including some that start today (Wednesday).

WEDNESDAY

• The Giddings Freedom Fest will have live music from the Texas Unlimited Band and Lost Cause Band at Veterans Park from 6 to 10 p.m.  There will also be food trucks, vendors and games.  Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks.
• Elizabeth Lutheran Church in Caldwell will host its 28^th Annual July 3^rd Fireworks Show from 6 to 11 p.m.  Activities will include live music, food trucks, kids’ activities and a fireworks display. 

THURSDAY

• Chappell Hill’s “Biggest Small Town Parade in America” begins at 10 a.m. in downtown Chappell Hill with the firing of the Kingfisher Cannon.  The theme for the parade is “Hometown Heroes”, honoring all first responders and electric linemen.  The parade will also feature the “World Famous Marching Kazoo Band”.  Rob Moorman & Company will provide pre- and post-parade entertainment.
• Round Top will host its 174^th Fourth of July Parade and Celebration beginning at 10 a.m. on the town square.  The firing of the Round Top Cannon will signal the opening of the parade at 10:30 a.m.  Afterwards, the Round Top Rifle Association Hall will serve a barbecue meal at $16 per plate, and there will be music throughout the afternoon by the Round Top Brass Band, Round Top Jam Session and Cool Freddie E and the Crew.  There will also be a prize drawing.
• Downtown Independence will celebrate the Fourth starting at 2 p.m. with a trail ride, then a parade at 5 p.m.  Guests can then enjoy music from the Risky Liver Band at a street dance following the parade, as well as a live auction.  Festivities wrap up with a fireworks show at 9 p.m.
• Navasota’s 5^th Annual Freedom Festival in downtown begins at 6 p.m. with a parade.  ESCAPE: A Tribute to Journey will perform outside of Navasota City Hall at 7 p.m., and there will be a fireworks display around 9:15 p.m. at Brule Field.  There will also be food and drink vendors and kids’ activities. 
• Bellville will hold its 3^rd Annual Red White and Free Festival at the Austin County Fairgrounds, starting at 5:30 p.m.  Attendees can enjoy food and games, fun for the kids, live music from John Swantner and the Red Bulls, an appearance from Phenix Knives, and fireworks at 9 p.m.
• Burton American Legion Post #242, the Ladies Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion will host their annual Fourth of July Picnic at the Burton Community Center.  Barbecue meals will be served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for $15 per plate, and there will be games, live and silent auctions, and a cake walk.
• The Kenney Agricultural Society Hall’s Barbecue Celebration begins with a cake walk at 10:30 a.m., along with a silent auction.  Barbecue will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and live music will be provided by DJ Sandman.  The cost is $18 for adults and $8 for children 6 years old and under.

SATURDAY

• Fury on the 6^th will take place at the Lee County Sheriff’s Posse Covered Arena in Giddings, with professional bull riding and freestyle bull fighting.  Gates open at 6 p.m., and the event begins around 7 p.m.  There will also be kids’ mutton bustin’ and a dance with Johnny Condel after the bull riding.  Tickets are $20 for adults, $5 for kids 7-14 and free for children 6 and under. 
• Harmonie Hall in Shelby will celebrate America’s birthday with music from the Risky Liver Band.  Doors to the hall open at 7 p.m., and dancing will be from 8 to midnight.  The kitchen and bar will be open for food and refreshments.  No outside drinks or coolers are allowed.  Tickets are $12 cash at the door. 

KWHI and KTEX-106 will be all around the area to celebrate the Fourth, with appearances in Giddings, Caldwell, Chappell Hill, Round Top, Burton, Independence and Navasota.