America 250, a young nation’s big birthday
Fireworks over Lake Marble Falls. Staff photo
Some may call it a semiquincentennial; others, a bisesquicentennial, a quarter millennium, or a sestercentennial. But in America, this year’s Fourth of July celebration will forever be known as America 250.
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress, a provisional government body representing 13 New World colonies, adopted the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain.
The declaration was signed by 57 people on Aug. 2, 1776, in the middle of the American Revolutionary War (April 19, 1775-Sept. 3, 1783).
The Highland Lakes area has always been a great place to celebrate our nation’s birthday. This year will be bigger and better than ever. Here’s a list of where to go.
JULY 2-5
The July 4 fireworks begin at dark at the RM 2900 bridge, the highlight of three days of celebration in Kingsland. The fun begins Thursday, July 2, with a rubber ducky scavenger hunt, a patriotic dinner, and a street dance.
A carnival joins the festivities this year, opening at noon Friday, July 3. Friday events include a cornhole tournament, karaoke, and fireworks, all at Wakepoint, 14757 RR 1431 West. Friday is also the day to check in for the barbecue cook-off and arts-and-crafts fair.
Saturday, July 4, kicks off with the children’s parade at 9 a.m. and the grand parade at 10 a.m. Staging begins at Packsaddle Elementary School, 150 Pioneer Lane.
Stick around for the Lake Area Rods and Classics car show at Security State Bank, 204 RR 2900. The show opens at 11 a.m.
The annual arts-and-crafts fair runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Kingsland Community Center, 3451 Rose Hill Drive.
Wakepoint hosts a hot dog-eating contest at 1 p.m.
Boat Town, 151 Melodie Lane, is the site for the official AquaBoom Fireworks Show Watch Party from 4-10 p.m.
A bible fellowship is 9-10 a.m. Sunday, July 5, at Wakepoint. After, hurry over to the Boat Town docks for the annual Poker Run on the River from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Pack the lawn chairs and blankets to celebrate America’s 250th birthday at Lakeside Park, 305 Buena Vista in Marble Falls. Festivities begin at noon with a free swim in the Lakeside pool until 5 p.m.
Dysfunkshun Junkshun hits the stage at 7 p.m. Food trucks will be on site for a bite to eat before the fireworks display, which is due to begin at around 9:15 p.m.
Boaters: The lake around the fireworks launch zone will be closed from 5 p.m. to midnight. Plan to be on the correct side of the lake, depending on where you’re headed.
LLANO’S AMERICA 250 ON THE LLANO RIVER
Llano’s Rock’n BBQ Boss Cook-off throws the beef on the grill from 4-8 p.m. Friday, July 3, at Badu Park, 300 Legion Drive.
Celebrate America 250 begins at 7 p.m. Friday at the Lantex Theater, 113 W. Main St., and features the Llano Community Children’s Choir and readings of letters from America’s founding fathers.
The fabulous Fourth events at Badu Park on the Llano River begin at 9 a.m. Saturday with the continuing barbecue cook-off, a children’s parade, a pet parade, live music, and vendors. Llano’s self-proclaimed “biggest fireworks show in the REAL Texas Hill Country” lights the fuse around dark.
SPICEWOOD COMMUNITY 4TH OF JULY PARADE & PARTY
Celebrate faith, family, freedom, and community as Cornerstone Church ATX hosts the Independence Day celebration for the Spicewood community, July 4 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Spicewood Community Center. The celebration includes food, drinks, face painting, games, live music, and fun for all ages.
The party and parade both kick off at 9 a.m. — come walk in the parade, be a spectator, or jump start your day at the party. Join together to honor our nation, sing the National Anthem, hear from veterans, and celebrate the freedoms we’ve been given with gratitude and joy.
BERTRAM FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS CELEBRATION
The Bertram Volunteer Fire Department hosts this annual celebration which is sponsored by the community on Saturday, July 4, at the baseball fields, 549 E. FM 243. The celebration kicks off at 8 p.m. with music and games. Spectators should bring their own blankets or chairs to watch the fireworks show which starts around 9:15 p.m.
Jon Rust & The Drifting Outlaw Band with special guests The Lockhearts & Sammy J entertain during the Cider Mill’s 4th of July Celebration and fireworks show, 222 Lee Lane in Round Mountain. The celebration runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.