Community is spark behind success of Marble Falls fireworks
DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR
MARBLE FALLS — When it comes to the Marble Falls Community Fireworks, it all starts with the community.
“This really is a community-supported event,” organizer Judy Miller said. “This is the second year we’ve been, basically, community funded.”
The Marble Falls Community Fireworks is 5-10 p.m. July 4 at Lakeside Park, 307 Buena Vista Drive. It features lots of music, food and fun, not to mention an incredible fireworks display.
Folks can get there early to enjoy the pre-show fun as well as grab the best spot to enjoy the fireworks.
The Marble Falls Community Fireworks grew out of a desire to give people a way to celebrate the country’s birthday close to home. While in the past the event has used various fund sources, including business sponsorships, Miller said this is the second year it’s really relied on a $1 contribution through the city of Marble Falls community project fund.
The money for the community project fund is generated by a $1 contribution Marble Falls residents opt to add on to their water bill. The city then uses the funds to support different community projects such as the fireworks.
Along with the community project funding, business and individuals still continue to support the fireworks.
This year, the Independence Day celebration includes a dose of live music starting with The Flashbacks, a kids super-group featuring members ages 11-15. They’ll take the stage from 4-5 p.m.
Then, the Hill Country Community Band takes the music inside Lakeside Pavilion from 6-7 p.m.
“The Hill Country Community Band is a great group of musicians who love to entertain,” Miller said. “They put on a great show. We’d really like people to come and check them out.”
At 7:30 p.m., the Wonderfuls turn up the music. This cover band from Dallas has developed quite a following. The Wonderfuls are known across Texas as one of the go-to bands for wedding receptions, parties and more. From Daft Punk to Rhianna, John Denver to AC/DC and Lady Gaga to Dean Martin, the Wonderfuls have it covered. Their song list includes just about every hit that has gotten folks on the dance floor from the 1970s through today.
Of course, there’s also the star of the show: the fireworks put on by GW Pyro. The show starts near dusk and lights up the sky above Lake Marble Falls.
But the music and fireworks aren’t the only things going on at the park. The city pool will be open until 7 p.m. so kids and adults can cool off. There also will be several food vendors serving up hamburgers, hot dogs, shish kabobs and snow cones.
The Boys & Girls Club of the Highland Lakes will have four bounce houses set up and be selling wrist bands so youth can bound around a bit before the show.
Miller also hinted that kids, even if they don’t jump in the pool, might want to bring their swimsuits.
So come out July 4 to Lakeside Park, celebrate the country’s birthday and have a great time.
Go to marblefallscommunityfireworks.com for more information.
daniel@thepicayune.com