Here's how Corpus Christi will celebrate Independence Day
Corpus Christi will be celebrating Independence Day through days of festivities as part of the Mayor's Fourth of July Big Bang Celebration.
A tradition that is more than 40 years old, the Big Bang Celebration normally focuses on a firework show over Corpus Christi Bay in the downtown area.
Mayor Paulette Guajardo said this year will feature more activities and fun.
"This year, leading up to the show, there will be family fun activities taking place at the Water's Edge Park and throughout the downtown area," Guajardo said. "It is a free community event and funded entirely by generous sponsors and volunteers."
Big Bang Celebration activities
Saturday, July 1, noon to 10 p.m.: The Coastal Comida Fest will feature 21 food trucks, live music, lawn games, an obstacle course, moon jumps and giveaways at Water's Edge Park.
Sunday, July 2: Nueces Brewing Co. will continue its annual Fajita Cook-Off where teams will compete for cash prizes. Cooking will start at 10:30 a.m., judging at 3 p.m. and the awards ceremony an hour later.
Independence Day, 10 a.m.: At Sherrill Veterans Memorial Park, the Mayor's Committee for Veterans Affairs will hold a ceremony featuring a joint presentation of colors by military, live vocalists, music from the Veterans Band of Corpus Christi, a keynote speaker and special recognitions.
Noon: There will be another food truck festival and kid zone at Water's Edge Park.
7-9 p.m.: Local band The Groove will perform.
9 p.m.: The Big Bang Celebration will begin. The 21-minute show will feature contemporary music and will be broadcasted on 94.7 FM and Hot Z95.
What to know about traffic
Starting at 7 a.m. Tuesday, July 4, several roads will be closed in the downtown area in preparation of the festivities, including the northbound and southbound lanes of Shoreline Boulevard.
The city recommends that event attendees use the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority's free park and ride shuttle.
Pickup will start at 11:30 a.m. at City Hall and the Nueces County Courthouse. The service will end 30 minutes after the fireworks have concluded.
Coolers and closed containers can be brought onboard, but charcoal, barbecue pits and propane tanks are not allowed on the buses.
For more information, visit bigbangcc.com.
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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com or Twitter @johnpoliva.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Fourth of July: How Corpus Christi will celebrate
