Red, white and blue; parades; pop music and patriotism – the Fourth of July gives neighbors the opportunity to celebrate the country’s independence together as a community in fun forms and fashions.

Despite the economic climate of the country and some celebration cancellations, the communities north of Dallas have a lot in store for the holiday.

Suzanne Etman, Richardson community events supervisor, said this year is the city recreation department’s 50th anniversary, which makes the 2009 “Family Fourth Celebration” at BreckinridgePark extra special.

“I think [the event] is one of the best-kept secrets in Richardson; it’s a fantastic fireworks show,” she said. “We encourage people to come out and bring a blanket – there’s tons of room.”

Etman expects a big crowd because Garland canceled its “Star Spangled Fourth” fireworks show and the holiday falls on a weekend.

“Many of the city's neighborhoods celebrate the Fourth of July by hosting parades and picnics,” added Don Magner, Richardson’s Neighborhood Services director. “These events have become a great tradition for Richardson residents.

Neighborhoods such as Canyon Creek, Duck Creek and J.J. Pearce, the latter in conjunction with The Reservation, have the largest celebrations ­­­with parades, picnics and kids activities, according to Magner.

Plano Early Lions Club will host its third annual Plano Independence Day Parade.

“Some of the things that make it special are that it is just sort of a small-town thing,” said Jack Durnin, member of the Early Lions Club and its board of directors. “Groups who want to parade can sign up, pay an entrance fee and go. In addition to celebrating our independence, it’s also a way to honor those who have fought for our independence and those who are still fighting for our independence.”

Allen celebrated the country’s birthday a week early this year with its 14th annual Allen USA Celebration. Allen parks and recreation director Tim Dentler said he believes Allen USA’s fireworks are some of the biggest and the best in North Texas.

“This year is special because of the economic situation in the country, and we feel like we can provide a basically free event,” he said. “It’s a great outlet for families to come out.”

The Fourth of July includes more than fireworks, too.

McKinney started an “Ice Cream Crank-off” competition 14 years ago, said to Ty Lake, Main Street program director. Last year, the city incorporated the contest into its Fourth of July festival “Red, White and BOOM.”  

“If you think about July 4 you think about family, you think about freedom ‑ you think about apple pie and ice cream,” Lake said. “It’s a part of America’s pastime.”

Lori Lawing, chairman of the special events board in Heath, said the citizens are the driving force behind the Heath Independence Day Parade.

“We set the stage and watch the magic happen,” she said. “It grows each year, and we are so pleased it has maintained its hometown flavor.”

For some, the day will combine celebration and protest.

America’s Tea Party, hosted by a group that supports limited government, fiscal responsibility and free markets, will take place Saturday at South Fork Ranch in Parker.

“We are celebrating two Declarations of Independence, the one from 1776 and the Declaration of Independence against large unresponsive government,” said Phillip Dennis of Frisco, an executive board member of the Dallas Tea Party.

Dennis expects between 35,000 to 55,000 people at the July 4 event that will include live entertainment from The Monkeys and a fireworks display.

See what’s going on in your community:

PLANO

‘Red, White and Blue Day’

The PlanoSeniorRecreationCenter, 401 W. 16th St., hosts “Red, White and Blue Day” for seniors from 12:15 to 2 p.m. July 3.The most patriotic outfits win prizes.

For more information, call the Plano Senior Recreation Center at 972-941-7155 or visit planoparks.org.

Concert in HaggardPark

Celebrate Independence Day July 3 at the annual Patriotic Concert presented by Plano Community Band from 7 to 9 p.m. at HaggardPark, 901 E. 15th St.

For more information, visit planoband.com.

Independence Day parade

The Early Lions Club presents its annual parade from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday. The parade starts at PlanoSenior High School, located at Independence Parkway and Park Boulevard, travels north to Spring Creek Parkway, and ends at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.

For more information, call 972-985-8260 or visit planoparade.com.

‘All-American Fourth’ 

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and the whole family to help celebrate Independence Day 2009 at Plano’s “All-American Fourth” from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday at OakPointPark and Nature Preserve off of E. Spring Creek Parkway. Fireworks will be choreographed to music and simulcast on 97.5 KLAK.

For details, call PlanoParks and Recreation at 972-941-7250.

America’s TEA Party
Speakers, local talk-radio hosts, musical entertainment and fireworks, as well as other festival fare, are planned for this event scheduled for 3 p.m. to midnight Saturday at South Fork Ranch, 3700 Hogge Road, Parker. Speakers at the event will encourage citizens to make a difference by “standing up for liberty and working against further government expansion, bailouts and irresponsible elected officials.”

For more information, visit dallasteaparty.org/2009/06/americasteaparty.

Symphony, chorus tribute

Join Hector Guzman, Plano Symphony Orchestra and the Patriotic Pops Chorus for a tribute to America from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday at St. AndrewsUnitedMethodistChurch, 5801 W. Plano Parkway. Bring a picnic and eat with your family and friends. Tickets are $10-$35 for reserved seating; group and student rates also are available. Tickets are $2 extra at the door.

For more information, call 972-473-7262 or visit planosymphony.org.

July 4 Tea party

The Downtown Plano event is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. Saturday at Kelly’s Eastside, 1422 K Ave.

For more information, call Kelsey Andriot at 214-578-2220

RICHARDSON

‘Family Fourth Celebration’

Mark our nation’s birthday at 6:30 p.m. Saturday in BreckinridgePark at Renner and Brands roads. Entertainment will include Day Job Refugees at 6:30 p.m., Frontier Drum & Bugle Corps at 8 p.m., the Richardson Community Band at 8:45 p.m. and fireworks at 9:45 p.m. Other activities include balloon artists, bounce houses and a climbing wall for kids. Onsite parking is limited, so beginning at 6 p.m., the City of Richardson will provide free round-trip DART shuttle service from the Rockwell-Collins International Campus at the intersection of Renner and Shiloh roads.

For more information, visit cor.net.

Star-spangled safety

Also at Breckinridge, the Richardson Fire Department, Police Department and emergency management coordinator Misty Gardener will host the event. The goal of the event is to make Richardson citizens aware of fire safety, crime prevention and how to prepare for emergencies. Information pamphlets will be passed out and there will be goody bags, a fire truck slide and possibly an engine display.

For more information, call Terri Level at 972-744-5758.

LAKE HIGHLANDS

Exchange Club parade

Lake Highlands clubs, homeowners, friends and neighbors can join the Exchange Club for its July 4 parade and carnival starting at 9 a.m. at Church Road, between Ferndale and White Rock Trail. To participate in the children’s mini parade, arrive at 8:30 a.m. Kids should dress up and decorate their bikes, wagons and pets for a chance to win prizes.

For more information, call Bryan McCrory at 214-707-9080, e-mail cactusdfw@gmail.com or visit lhexchangeclub.org.

Fourth at the arboretum

Bring your family, picnic baskets and lawn chairs and enjoy the Fourth of July at the arboretum and gardens, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas. Visit the Storybook Playhouse exhibit, Semyan’s Storybook Collection, and tour the DeGoyer Estate. Admission is free for veterans and current military personnel with valid military I.D. Admission ranges from $6 to $9.50. Onsite parking is $5.

For more information, call -214-515-6500 or visit  dallasarboretum.org.

GARLAND

‘Independence Day’ screening

Come to FirewheelTownCenter,

245Cedar Sage Drive, Suite 200, at dusk on Saturday to watch a public outdoor screening of Independence Day, the 1996 classic film about an alien invasion of Earth that ends dramatically on July 4.

For more information, call 972-675-1041.

ADDISON

‘KaboomTown!’

About 350,000 viewers are expected to attend tonight’s 30-minute fireworks extravaganza, which will be set to music and a live radio simulcast on 100.3 JACK FM. The evening begins with live entertainment from 5 to 9:35 p.m. on the main stage at the park,

4970 Addison Circle

Drive. The Cavanaugh Flight Museum’s Warbird Flyover will begin at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks will start at 9:35 p.m., followed by a showing of Raiders of the Lost Ark as part of the city’s Cinema in the Circle series.

For more information, visit addisontexas.net/events/kaboomtown.

ROCKWALL

‘Fourth of July Mixer’

Rockwall Tennis Unlimited hosts its annual “Fourth of July Mixer,” featuring tennis, exercise, friends, fun and food from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rockwall-HeathHigh School tennis courts. The mixer will follow the City of Heath’s Independence Day parade.

The entry fee ranges from $15 to $20, with family discounts also available. 

For more information, call 972-771-8883 or visit rockwalltennisunlimited.com.

Old Town parade

The Old Town Rockwall Neighborhood will celebrate its 10th anniversary Fourth of July parade, beginning at 11 a.m. The parade route will go through Town Square, continue south on Fannin, east on Munson and north on Clark, back to Kaufman Street and end in front of Dobbs Elementary. The event is sponsored by The Old Town Rockwall Neighborhood Association and Community Bank.

For more information, call Sherry Pittman at 469 698-9588 or visit oldtownrockwall.com.

Rockwall Tea Party

Conservatives will unite around the Rockwall County Historic Courthouse at noon Saturday for a “high noon showdown with destiny” at the Rockwall Independence Day Tea Party. Speakers will include U.S. Rep. Ralph Hall, State Rep. Jodie Laubenberg, Ann Hettinger with Concerned Women for America, Johanna Runnels with Heritage Alliance and Jordan Williamson with Young Republicans. DJ Tom Taylor will serve as master of ceremonies and the opening prayer and benediction will be offered by Todd Smith.

For more information, visit teapartyday.com.

‘Bang-up Fourth’

The city hosts its “Bang-up Fourth” on July 4 with swimming, picnics and fireworks, with activities scheduled at the HarryMyersPark pool and Williams Park pool. The pools will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bring a picnic lunch or dinner, then enjoy fireworks synchronized to music at 9 p.m. in Myers Park. The best viewing areas are at the park, Dobbs Elementary, Tuttle Athletic Complex and the RISDEducationCenter.

For more information, call 972-771-7740.

ROWLETT

Rowlett Tea Party

Rowlett Tea Party Patriots host an Independence Day event from 5 to 8 p.m. July 3 at 3809 Main St. The group supports limited government, fiscal responsibility and free markets.

For more information, visit rowlettteaparty.com or e-mail info@rowletteaparty.com.

‘Fireworks on Main Street’

Enjoy “Fireworks on Main Street” festivities as local businesses present activities and live music from 6 to 10 p.m. July 3.

ROYSE CITY

Annual ‘FourthFest’

The city hosts its fourth annual “FourthFest” parade and festivities at 6 p.m. July 4 downtown. In the past, this parade has included the Tri-County Veterans, the Sheriffs Posse, Boy Scouts of America, Gold Star Mothers, Star Riding and Touring, the Patriot Guard and others. Opening ceremonies for festivities at the old RoyseCityHigh School football stadium begin at 7 p.m., with parade winners announced at that time, followed by live music by Jaci Butler and Those Guys. Fireworks are scheduled for 9:15 p.m. 

For more information or a map, visit roysecity.com or call 972-636-5000.

HEATH

Independence Day parade

The city will host its annual Independence Day Parade at 9 a.m. Saturday, starting at Amy Parks-Heath Elementary, 330 Laurence Drive. There will be free popsicles in TowneCenterPark after the parade.

For more information, visit heathtx.com.

ALLEN

Parade, pooches, patriots

Watter’s Creek will host its first July 4 pooch patriotic parade from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The event includes kid and pooch costume contests, face painting, balloon artist giveaways and American-themed hands-on children’s crafts and activities.

Participants are encouraged to sign a star in honor of someone they know who has served in the armed forces and place it on the “patriot wall,” send a short film message to North Texas troops overseas and bring care package items to donate to overseas soldiers (nonperishable foods or items such as a disposable camera or batteries).

For more information, visit watters-creek.com.

McKINNEY

‘Red, White and BOOM’

For the second year, McKinney will host “Red, White and BOOM” on Saturday, with activities including a parade starting at 10:30 a.m., car show, ice cream crank-off, live music, flyover, fireworks and more. The day’s festivities will start with the parade at Tennessee and Hunt streets in historic downtown and end with fireworks at McKinney Soccer Complex at Craig Ranch, 6375 Collin McKinney Parkway

Hometown Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Old Wysong Parking Lot, Tennessee and Hunt streets.

The 2009 Car Show is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Tennessee and Davis streets. There will be more than 100 awards for first-, second- and third-place car and truck categories. A $500 prize will be given for the best of show car and best of show truck.

Killis Melton Ice Cream Crank-Off is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon at the ChestnutSquareHistoricVillage. Prizes will be awarded for best in category, best presentation, “tasters’ best,” community best and overall best. Cranking starts at 9:30 a.m., with judging at 11:30 a.m. A public tasting will be at noon. Donate $3 to taste all flavors.

For more information, call 972-562-8790 or visit chestnutsquare.org.

Veterans’ salute will be at 11:30 a.m. in the McKinney Performing Arts Center in Historic Downtown.

For more information, call Cathy Lenox at 972-547-2708.

Fireworks, family fun, including food and a children’s play area, will start at 5 p.m. in the McKinney Soccer Complex at Craig Ranch. Other activities include live music at center stage from 6 to 9:30 p.m., a flyover by the flight of the Phoenix Escadrille at 8 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

For information, visit http://bit.ly/ODryR.

 

Lisa Zimmermann is an assistant editor and reporter for the Richardson/Far North Dallas neighborsgo and can be reached at 469-330-5689 or via e-mail at lzimmermann@neighborsgo.com. Got a story, photo or video you'd like to share? Post them directly on neighborsgo.com. Got a story idea? E-mail it to me directly. For more about how neighborsgo.com works with our neighborsgo print editions, please visit neighborsgo.com/help.