EAST TEXAS (TYLER MORNING TELEGRAPH) - This year, the Fourth of July hits on a Wednesday, but that doesn't mean there's any shortage of Fourth-related events leading up to and on the holiday. From parades to picnics to readings of the Declaration of Independence, there's a variety of activities open to all.
Saturday
Keep Brownsboro Beautiful will sponsor the fourth annual "Sparks in the Park" 5 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday at the Brownsboro City Park. A classic car show will be part of the event. The Bill Hilly Band will play and a DJ will provide '50s, '60s and '70s era music. A concession trailer will be open offering drinks and food.
The Dam Fireworks Show is 9:30 p.m. on Lake Tyler West Dam.
"I Love America" will be at Green Acres Baptist Church on Sunday and Monday. This year's event features guest artist Adam Paul Williams, the East Texas Men in Harmony Barbershop Chorus and an indoor parade. This is a free event and no tickets are required. Times include 9:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Sunday.
"I Love America" will be at Green Acres Baptist Church on Sunday and Monday. This year's event features guest artist Adam Paul Williams, the East Texas Men in Harmony Barbershop Chorus and an indoor parade. This is a free event and no tickets are required. The time is 7 p.m. Monday with doors opening at 6 p.m.
Tyler Jaycees Family Fun Day and 49th annual Fireworks Show kicks off at Lindsey Park, Spur 364 West, Tyler. A variety of family-friendly activities, including dunking booths operated by the Friendly Baptist Church Youth Group are planned. Ted Kamel Enterprises is providing concessions. Gates open at 4 p.m. and admission is $10 per carload. Arrive before 5 p.m. and pay just $5 per carload for admission.
Fourth of July "Patriotism on Parade" celebration in Rusk around the city's downtown square
The patriotic opening ceremonies will begin at 9 a.m., with the Rev. Gloria Jennings from the Oakland United Methodist Church of Henderson delivering the Invocation; the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 991 from Palestine will post the colors; and the Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Rusk VFW Commander, Emerson Griffin. Kasey Finley will salute "Old Glory" with her beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner; and Jimmy Stingley will play taps in honor of the many who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our flag.
Following the tribute to the flag will be opening remarks by Rusk Mayor Angela Raiborn and state Rep. Chuck Hopson. Virginia Goforth will sing the stirring Armed Forces Medley.
The Cross of Saint Andrew, Camp No. 2009, Sons of Confederate Veterans of Cherokee County will provide the honor salute — a rife volley, signaling the start of the grand parade.
Knollwood July 4 Parade is at 9 a.m. Wednesday. The Flint Gresham Volunteer Fire Department will lead the parade. The parade begins at 14964 Northwood in the Knollwood subdivision off Old Jacksonville Highway. Dress in red, white and blue and join the parade or be a spectator.
Fireworks at Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, 5550 Farm-to-Market Road 2495, Athens. Free admission to the center will start at 4 p.m. with fireworks at dark. The show will last about 30 minutes. It is a Keep Athens Beautiful event.
Annual fireworks show at the Lake Jacksonville Concession Area No. 1. Fireworks display begins at dark and runs about 30 minutes.
Fireworks show presented by Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Activities begin at 6:30 p.m. at 13590 Texas Highway 110 South in Tyler.
The Declaration of Independence will be read live at Dewberry Plantation at 5 p.m. Music will be played before and after the reading. Admission is free. Dewberry Plantation is at 14007 Farm-to-Market Road 346 West, Bullard. For info, visit
www.dewberryplantation.com.
Living Alternatives will celebrate "Family, Faith and Freedom" at the Fatherheart location. With a suggested donation of $15 per vehicle for entry, the picnic-style event will include wet/dry jumps, bungee jumps, swimming pool use, a fishing tournament, food vendors, live music, face painting and a fireworks show. In addition, grills will be made available for public use. Activities will be open between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. Living Alternatives Fatherheart is at 17141 Highway 110 North in Lindale.
