Tuesday, July 1, 2014

The 4th of July in Texas including Willie's 4th of July Picnic in the Fort Worth Stockyards

On the left you are looking at a float which floated in the 2013 Arlington 4th of July Parade.

The people in the picture are all looking skyward due to being momentarily distracted by a large formation of airplanes passing overhead.

Last year's Arlington 4th of July Parade had many special moments, such a the Big Bud Kennedy float, the Wheelin' Elvi, several salutes to Veterans, multiple marching high school bands along with a lot of patriotic 4th of July type moments.

The Granbury 4th of July Parade has many large well done floats, a lot of school participation, including cheerleaders, marching bands and the town's football team. After the Granbury 4th of July Parade ends the celebrating continues around the courthouse square.

Willie's 4th of July Picnic once again takes place at the Fort Worth Stockyards. More details about that below.

A look at some other Texas 4th of July celebrations, including Willie's Picnic....

Amarillo: July 4th Fireworks

The Texas Panhandle's largest fireworks display, sponsored by the Amarillo Globe-News. More than 50,000 people gather near Thompson Park to view this spectacular event. Time: Sunset. Cost: Free. Location: Ross Rogers Golf Course in Thompson Park (US Highway 287 north).

Arlington: Annual 4th of July Parade

This parade has become one of the largest in Texas. An old-fashioned community parade. With over 150 entries that include marching bands to exotic automobiles, military color guards to clowns, and dignitaries to unique presentations, the theme of what Independence Day is all about. Parade entries and volunteer helpers are welcome. Time: 9am, lasting about two hours. Cost: Free. Location: downtown Arlington.

Baytown: July 4th Celebration

An evening featuring a variety of family-oriented activities including a parade, food booths, craft booths, a children's amusement area, live entertainment, and a fireworks display. Cost: Free admission. Location: Bicentennial Park (Market Street / Lee Drive) in Baytown.

Chappell Hill: 30th Annual 4th of July Parade

"Best Small Town Parade in America," featuring floats, cowboys, antique cars, the renowned Marching Kazoo Band. Creative entries welcomed. Prizes awarded. Time: 10am. Cost: Free admission. Location: Downtown Chappell Hill.

Lake Jackson: Old Fashion 4th Celebration

An old-fashioned 4th of July celebration, the day begins with food, games, fun, family and friends, ending at dusk with a spectacular fireworks display. Location: MacLean Park, 91 Lake Road.

Lubbock: Fourth on Broadway

A celebration of the 4th of July with a parade and street fair. The parade begins at 10am, followed by live music, with food and craft booths lined up along Broadway. The day ends with a concert and fireworks display. Time: All Day. Cost: Free. Location: Broadway Street.

Rockport: Rockport Art Festival

This art town's juried fine arts festival hosts 125+ artists from across United States. In a tented atmosphere adjacent to Rockport Center for the Arts, it is situated by Aransas and Little Bays and Rockport's Harbor and Beach Park. Includes artists' demonstrations, foods, live entertainment, shopping and hands-on art activities for children.

Washington-on-the-Brazos

Celebrate our nation's independence where Texas declared her independence. HEB Presents Fireworks-On-The-Brazos with free Blue Bell ice cream and Coca-Cola drinks, live concert and a fireworks extravaganza. Time: 10am-10pm. Cost: Free. Location: Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, 12300 Park Road 12, Washington, Texas.

Willie's 4th of July Picnic 

Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic is designed to provide guests a not-to-be-missed afternoon and evening of exceptional performances by artists from all musical genres, along with some unexpected jam sessions. Basically Willie's 4th is an all day concert taking place at the Fort Worth Stockyards. $40 advance purchase general admission, $60 day of show general admission. For more information about Willie's 4th of July Picnic go to Billy Bob's.

The Woodlands: 9th Annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival

The Woodlands' single largest event is held in Town Green Park on the banks of The Woodlands Waterway. The 23-minute fireworks show, shot over The Woodlands Town Center, is the second largest in the Greater Houston region, second only to downtown Houston. Location: From I-45 going South: Take the Robinson Road/Woodlands Parkway exit #76. Continue on I-45 feeder to Woodlands Parkway and turn right. Follow Festival Parking signs to park. From I-45 going North: Take the Woodlands Parkway exit (76B) and travel west on Woodlands Parkway. Follow Festival Parking signs.