WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS APPROVE 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS AGREEMENT

  

Washington County Commissioners on Tuesday approved the county’s end of an agreement to use hotel occupancy tax (HOT) funds to go toward fireworks at the county’s 4^th of July celebration.

The fireworks agreement with Celestial Displays, LLC pertains to the “Stars Over Washington County” event to be held on Independence Day at the Washington County Expo.  The county and City of Brenham will each contribute $20,000, by way of HOT funds from the county and Brenham Community Development Corporation allocations from the city, for a total of $40,000. 

The fireworks display is slated to begin at 9:20 p.m. and last for 20 minutes.  The event will also feature live music at 8 p.m. with ESCAPE – a Tribute to Journey, as well as food trucks, vendors, and a touch-a-truck experience. 

Also on Tuesday, commissioners received the Washington County Expo’s first quarter report.  Expo Director Harrison Williams said the Expo’s first quarter economic impact was estimated at $7.84 million, driven by events such as the Blue Bell Fun Run, Fortnightly Club book sale, Brenham High School Floral Design statewide competition and Local Fest.

Williams also talked about the new online portal to apply for HOT funds, which can be accessed through the county’s website, https://co.washington.tx.us.  Tourism organizations can apply for the fall 2026 cycle through Monday at 5 p.m.  

In other business, the court:

• Read a proclamation declaring the month of May as the National Foster Care Awareness Month and expressing the county’s support for the Heart Gallery of Central Texas, a program of Partnerships for Children.  The Heart Gallery of Central Texas collaborates with photographers, volunteers, businesses and organizations to support children in foster care and help them find new homes and families.
• Approved a property access agreement between the county and Lenora Jean Santana for tree removal along Brandt Road in Precinct 4.