Fourth of July events planned across Johnson County
Jul. 1—Tuesday marks Independence Day in America, and Johnson County residents are ready to celebrate.
With everything from parades to fireworks, there is an endless amount of activities planned across Johnson County.
Johnson County Sheriff's Office officials issued reminders to residents about fireworks safety.
Most cities in Johnson County have stiff penalties for igniting fireworks in their city limits. The only place to ignite fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Johnson County is if you own property in the unincorporated areas or you receive permission from a property owner in the unincorporated area to allow you to ignite your fireworks.
They also offered several safety tips:
—If you do decide to ignite fireworks be sure and have an area where the grass has been mowed and cleaned to prevent any grass fires from occurring.
—Always have a bucket of water or a hose ready in case of a fire.
—Remember alcohol and fire do not mix. If you have been drinking please have a sober person light the fireworks.
—Do not let your children ignite the fireworks — do it for them. Forty percent of fireworks-related injuries come from children igniting fireworks.
—Stay clear of structures such as homes, barns and storage buildings when igniting fireworks.
—Remember, not all of the fireworks will perform as they are made to do. If one does not explode after it has been lit, leave it alone. Many fireworks-related injuries have occurred from fireworks that have a delayed ignition. Do NOT attempt to relight a firework that has already been lit. If the fire work fails to go off, wait 20 minutes, then drench in water before disposing of it.
—Always consider property owners who have horses or livestock and outdoor pets.
Alvarado
A free family fun bike parade to kick off Fourth of July begins at 8:30 a.m. at 1104 Raptor Road in Alvarado.
Decorate your bicycles to participate and end the ride with a free popsicle.
For information, call host Kaylan Baucom, Realtor, at 817-908-2905.
The city and Massey's BBQ host the third annual Music Festival at M7 Arena, 8001 FM 3136 today and Sunday.
BYOB, but no glass containers. Food available for purchase.
At 6 p.m. today, hear Alvarado's own Andrew Sevener and Mark Wills. At 6 p.m. Sunday listen to Buck Reams, Randy Brown and Pam Tillis. Stay for the fireworks show at 10 p.m.
Burleson
The 2023 Independence Day Parade, hosted by the Burleson Lions Club and city of Burleson, begins at 9 a.m. This will be the 19th year that the Lions have hosted the parade and it is a fundraiser for sight conservation projects and other services provided by the Lions.
This year's parade grand marshal is Betty Shelton, who was born and raised in Burleson. She formed the Optimist Club, which started the D.A.R.E. program, the Christmas Parade of Lights, the fireworks show and the Fourth of July parade.
Shelton is also a volunteer with the Military Order of Purple Hearts and coordinated the Veterans Memorial Park at Renfro Square in 2009. She also volunteers and serves on boards for many organizations such as Burleson Area Chamber of Commerce, Johnson County Child Protective Service Board, Harvest House and Angel Concerts.
She has received numerous awards such as the ATHENA Society (2004), Careity Foundation Volunteer & Award (2011), JW Norwood Award Recipient (2006) and United Way Volunteer of the Year (1995).
Registration and staging opens at 7 a.m. on Diane Street off Johnson Avenue. Float decorations are strongly encouraged. All entries are asked to be decorated in a patriotic theme and music is encouraged. Special awards given for the best floats.
For the safety of children and the public, throwing of candy or any other items is strictly prohibited from vehicles and floats. A walking unit may escort your entry and distribute candy along the parade route.
Register to participate by Sunday at burlesonlions.org.
Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the city's annual Fourth of July celebration, featuring food trucks, a free concert and fireworks show at Chisenhall Sports Complex, 500 Chisenhall Park Lane. Gates open at 5 p.m., the headlining concert starts at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks start at 9:20 p.m.
Performers include Texas High Road, Andrew Dolan and Jesse Jennings, all local artists.
No pop-ups or stakes will be allowed in-ground. No alcohol, glass bottles, pets or tents are permitted in the park.
Fireworks, including sparklers, are also not permitted. No outside vendors are allowed within the park.
Cleburne
Celebrate America's birthday on July 4 at Lake Pat Cleburne's golf links to see a dazzling display of fireworks over the lake. The gate opens at 6:30 p.m. and guests will enjoy live music and great food before watching the fireworks at dark.
Tune in to 88.3 FM The Journey for music synced with the fireworks.
Reservations are required for the Cleburne Golf Links. Cost is $25 per carload (maximum eight per car). Bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets for a comfortable experience.
No outside food or drink allowed. Food and drinks available for purchase at the Clubhouse.
For information, call the Cleburne Chamber of Commerce at 817-645-2455.
The Cleburne Railroaders are hosting a Fourth of July celebration as they face off against the Lincoln Saltdogs at 7:06 p.m. at the Depot at Cleburne Station. Stay after the game for the La Moderna Fireworks Show.
Grandview
Fourth of July at the Firefly is hosted by the city of Grandview and the Greater Grandview Chamber of Commerce. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with ballon art, face painting, food trucks and yard games at Firefly stage, 301 E. Criner St.
The Shania Twang concert begins at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9 p.m.
For information, visit gvtxchamber.com.
Keene
The 34th annual Keene Independence Day Parade begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday. The parade theme is "Happy Birthday, America." The grand marshal is new Keene City Manager Brent Batla.
The parade begins at the Southwestern Adventist University gymnasium parking lot at the corner of Old Betsy Road and Magnolia Street. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. Staging begins as soon as participants are registered.
Judging will begin at 8 a.m. Registration fee is $10 per entry with proceeds supporting the U.S. flags that are displayed along Old Betsy Road during holidays.
The parade starts at the Leiske-Pultar parking lot and goes west on Magnolia to Old Betsy Road, south on Old Betsy to Hillcrest, east on Hillcrest to Mockingbird, south on Mockingbird to Fourth, west on Fourth to Old Betsy, and north on Old Betsy back to the Leiske-Pultar parking lot.
Parade participants distributing candy or other goodies must do so only by people walking along the solid white lines on Old Betsy Road on the northbound portion only. Candies or other edibles cannot be thrown from a float or any other parade entry.
Parade entries must be registered by 7:30 a.m. to be judged. First place awards will be awarded in four youth categories and seven adult categories that are judged to be the best.
The youth categories are animal non-equestrian, animal equestrian, all-terrain vehicle and two-wheel vehicle.
The adult categories are business, antique vehicle, all terrain vehicle, two-wheel vehicle, animal non-equestrian, animal equestrian and overall.
The parade is organized by the Keene Chamber of Commerce board of directors: President Cheryl Schram, Vice President Jonathan Seitz, Treasurer Bill Guinn, Secretary Cody Stone and directors Rosy Arizaga, Danielle Elliott, Dale Hannah, Jeff Pannell and Gilbert Perez.
For information, call the Keene Chamber of Commerce at 817-556-2995.
After the parade, join the city of Keene's celebration at Southwestern Adventist University's gymnasium and parking lot. The celebration is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will have a 15-foot waterslide, wet combo bounce houses and pony rides.
Entry is free and all ride and games are free. Food and drinks available for purchase.
Rio Vista
Rio Vista's Fourth of July parade begins at 10 a.m. at Rio Vista ISD, 100 E. Capps St. in Rio Vista.
The parade starts at the Rio Vista High School, goes through to the elementary parking lot, turns left on Old Cleburne Whitney Road, turns left on East Depot Street, turn left on Hughes Street, turns right on Capps Street, then turns left on Eagles Drive back to the Rio Vista High School parking lot.
Parade entries meet at RVHS Parking Lot at 8:30 a.m. Late entries are allowed until 9:30 a.m. at the registration table on the day of the parade. However, pre-registration is encouraged.
Anyone who would like to assist with the parade should text 682-459-7674. Sign up/return sheets to Rio Vista City Hall.
Venus
The city of Venus presents Freedom Fest from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. today.
Activities include a 5K Color Run, 100-plus vendors, three on three basketball, water slides, a petting zoo and more.
Live music by Jason Herrin Band, Eric Marion and The Coyote Stylite.
For information, visit facebook.com/cityofvenustx.
