The 4th of July holiday was celebrated by thousands in Farmers Branch this year, with record numbers at the annual fireworks display and walking parade as Farmers Branch continues to shine as one of the re-energized cities in the metroplex.

Thursday night July 3rd the city held their annual fireworks show, with a pre concert by the fabulous local band "Emerald City." Residents enjoyed music from many different eras as generations of families danced the night away on the impromptu dance floor. Music included songs from Aerosmith, Frank Sinatra and even Gwen Stefani, there was a little bit of something for everyone. Following the concert a low level fireworks show lit the night sky to the sounds of patriotic songs all choreographed in flight. Children and adults alike stood amazed at the sites of fireworks exploding above their heads. As usual, the Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation Department pulled off a top notch event.

The following morning Farmers Branch Community Watch sponsored a walking parade. Nearly 100 residents came out dressed in red white and blue and ready to walk around Rawhide Creek. Children decorated their bikes and wagons, pet owners decorated their dogs and one young girl even dressed as Lady Liberty herself. The parade route took the pedestrians around the creek to the sounds of patriotic songs sung by all. The parade was escorted by members of the Farmers Branch Police Department Bicycle Patrol. At the conclusion of the parade neighbors enjoyed snacks and drinks, as they were able to catch up with old neighbors and even meet a few new ones. There were games for the children including a cupcake walk, hula hoop contest and a water balloon toss, which turned into the summer favorite, a water balloon fight. The Fire Department came out with their ladder truck and children enjoyed climbing inside for a peek, as parents snapped photos of their little ones. The day was full of memory making moments and nearly every child left with a sticky smile compliments of the snow cones.

Farmers Branch truly turned red, white and blue this July 4th weekend. The city remains at the forefront of innovative programs and services for their residents. We not only celebrated our freedom and pride as Americans, we celebrated our pride in living in Farmers Branch.