By Shanna Smith-Snyder
The Fourth of July brings to mind barbecues, family togethers and celebrating America’s independence. This summer, take your family and friends out to one of Abilene’s many events on the Fourth of July.
Decorate your bike, walk, wave your flag or sit along the route and enjoy the parade at the Hillcrest Neighborhood July 4th Parade, 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 3 (free). The route begins at 2490 Campus Court and ends at Hillcrest Church of Christ with homemade ice cream and cookies. For more information, call 325-673-4565.
Take a short drive out to Buffalo Gap Historic Village on Saturday and celebrate an Old Fashioned Fourth! The parade lines up at 9 a.m. at Shades of Hope and officially starts at 9:30. It will proceed down William St. and end at the Buffalo Hap Historic Village. Col. Alan Huffines will read the Declaration of Independence from the Village Church steps. He will also read each state in the order they entered the Union, while the children ring the church bell. Awards will be given for the most patriotic entry to the parade. Prizes sponsored by Shades of Hope. Admission to the Buffalo Gap Historic Village will be free all day. Info: 325-572-3365.
Join Taylor Electric Cooperative, WesTex Connect, Cumulus Radio and the City of Tye for the 4th Annual All-American Fireworks Show and Military Appreciation Day, Saturday in Rister Park. The fun begins at 5 p.m. with food booths and games. At dusk, a spectacular 30-minute fireworks display with over 18,000 bursts will complete the day. Free to the public. To find Rister Park, take the #277 exit off I-20 West, then drive south on Highway 707. For more information, contact the Tye Chamber of Commerce at 325-695-8253.
Listen to the sounds of the Abilene Community Band’s 4th of July Concert at 7 p.m. at the Church of the Heavenly Rest, 602 Meander Street, on Sunday, July 4. Free to the public. Hot dogs will be served at 6 p.m. Sponsored by the Church of the Heavenly Rest and the Old Town Abilene Neighborhood Association. Don’t forget to bring your own lawn chair! Info: 325-677-2091.
For a full listing of Fourth of July festivities and weekend events across the Abilene and Big Country area,
click here.