East Texans are kicking off Independence Day celebrations early this year, with festivities spanning four days.
Among the festivities is the city of Tyler’s annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration at Lindsey Park, 12557 Spur 364 W., on Tuesday, July 4.
The fun kicks off at 4 p.m., and the fireworks show will begin after dark about 9:15 p.m.
The park gate, off of Spur 364, will open at 2 p.m. The event is free.
Attendees are asked to arrive early for prime parking. Carpooling is recommended to help alleviate traffic congestion. Parking will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Live entertainment, the Kids’ Zone and concessions will begin at 4 p.m. and will continue to 9 p.m.
To prepare for this event, Lindsey Park will be closed to the public on July 4 until 2 p.m. Alcohol and private fireworks are prohibited in the park.
For more information, contact Tyler Parks and Recreation at 903-531-1370.
Other Independence Day celebrations include:
FRIDAY
Family Firework Celebration: South Spring Baptist Church hosts celebration starting at 6 p.m. bounce houses, live music and food trucks will be featured.
SATURDAY
Blast Over Bullard: 7 p.m., Bullard High School parking lot. Event features a parade.
Lake O’The Pines Fireworks: Fireworks begin at 9 p.m., Lake O’ the Pines, Avinger.
Fireworks at Lake Gladewater: 9 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. The show will start at dark at the dam of Lake Gladewater. Parking around parts of the lake is free. Parking inside the fenced area down by the shore is paid parking to help fund the fireworks show. Viewing areas are available all around the lake swim area and park. Please obey all City of Gladewater, City Hall park rules and laws regarding no fireworks, or alcohol in the park area.
SUNDAY
Colonial Hills' Annual God & Country Day: Starts with Bible Study at 9:45 a.m. Patriotic Music at 11 a.m. Event also will include a Family Wagon Parade with KornPop the Clown and an all-American lunch with grilled hot dogs, homemade apple pie and Blue Bell ice cream.
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church Independence Day Celebration: 10:00 a.m. Service will include patriotic hymns, prayers for the country and Armed Forces. A U.S. Air Force Civil Air Patrol cadet color guard will post the flags. A catered buffet picnic in the Parish Hall will follow the service. Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. James A. Abrahamson is the scheduled speaker. Abrahamson is chairman of the board of the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS). St. Philip’s Episcopal Church is located at 106 E. Crawford St., in Palestine.
Tyler Community Band Concert: 3 p.m. Atria Willow Park, 3500 S. Vine in Tyler. The program includes patriotic marches and other selections. The concert is free.
Mount Pleasant Celebration: Activities start at 7 p.m. Patriotic Presentation at 9 p.m. Trinity Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant, one mile north of Lowe’s.
MONDAY
Celebrate America Independence Day Fireworks Show (Tyler): 6:30 p.m. Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 13590 State Highway 110 in Tyler. Even will include an armed forces tribute, food, bounce houses and more.
East Texas Yamboree Association Firework Show (Gilmer): Gates open at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. at the Gilmer High School Stadium. Free to the public.
TUESDAY
Annual Fourth of July fireworks (Palestine): The City of Palestine will light up with fireworks at Steven Bennett Park. It opens at 5 p.m. Concession will be available. Residents can tune in to Palestine radio station 98.3 to listen to musical accompaniment during the fireworks show.
Knollwood Parade: Fourth of July parade starts at 9 a.m.
Fireworks at the Fishery: 5-10 p.m. Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, Lake Athens. Visitors can fish for free through 8:30 p.m. Fireworks start at 9 p.m.
Canton celebration: 6 p.m. Canton, First Monday Grounds, 800 First Monday Lane. Music at 6 p.m., parade at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m.
Edom celebration: 7 p.m. Edom Community Park. Event will include music, snack bar and fireworks show. Concession stand proceeds benefit local scholarships.
Freedom Fest: Noon to after dark at Bella Vista Resort, 22525 Texas Highway 155 South in Flint. The site has a beach on the lake. The day will have live music including: John Hord Band, Brian Chance Band and Ramoth Gilead. Illusionist Johnny Magic will perform a magic show and Madame Le Cerceau, a hula hoop performer, will also entertain guests. Food trucks and child-friendly water activities will be on hand. It will conclude with a music-choreographed fireworks show over the lake. The event is BYOB, and coolers are welcome with snacks. Families should bring their own beach chairs and towels. Entrance to the event is $10 for adults and $5 for children, and all proceeds benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. Veterans and active duty service members, as well as their immediate families, can attend for free. Tickets may be purchased at the gate or in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/freedom-fest-bella-vista-tickets-35323921801.
Rusk Rotary Club’s Ninth Annual 4th of July Parade & Celebration (Rusk): 9 a.m. parade in downtown Rusk, followed at 10 a.m. by the annual Gauge Lankford Memorial Fireman’s Competition. The event will include free outdoor prizes, arts and crafts booths and more.
Annual Fourth of July Fireworks Display (Jacksonville): At 10 a.m.there will be a parade of boats around Lake Jacksonville starting near the west end of the dam. Fireworks are set for 9:15 p.m.
Annual Old Fashioned Fourth (Chandler): 6 p.m. Winchester Park in Chandler is coming soon also. Event will include a concession stand with hot dogs, barbecue sandwiches and more that opens at 6 p.m., a float decorating booth that opens at 7 p.m. and a parade that begins at 8 p.m. Children can bring their bicycles, wagons, tricycles, scooters and stop by the booth to have them decorated for the parade. Prizes will be awarded for the best entries.
Tri-County Independence Day Blast (Pittsburg): 7-9:30 p.m., Broach Park, Pittsburg. The event will include booths, music, concessions and more. Fireworks begin at dusk.
Kilgore Independence Day Celebration: 6-10 p.m., Kilgore City Park. The fun includes activities, food, entertainment by Dagnabbit and fireworks at dark.
Fireworks and Freedom Celebration (Longview): Festival opens at 11 a.m. at Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex in Longview. Activities will include amusement rides, numerous children’s activities, free concerts, food and beverages, vendors, weenie dog races and more. Fireworks display starts at 9:30 p.m. Festival admission, parking and the firework show are free to the public. No BYOB or outside coolers allowed.
Fourth of July Celebration (Lindale): Fishing tournament, live music, inflatable bouncers and food vendors are among the activities planned. Starting at 4 p.m. located at 17141 Texas Highway 110 North, Lindale.
