Art&Seek Jr: 2017 Guide To Fourth Of July Fun & Fireworks

Lovers of all things red, white and blue are in luck! Art&Seek has created a Megalist of Fourth of July fun. Here are some highlights of some of the best events happening this Independence Day and a handy-dandy list of what night the displays happen in your area.

Photo: shutterstock.com

July 1:

July 3:

July 4:

Besides fireworks, there’s also a whole bunch of other fun stuff going on this holiday weekend. Here’s a sampling.

Photo: Shutterstock.com

It just wouldn’t be the 4th of July without a parade. There’s a real hometown parade happening on July 4 as part of the famous Waxahachie’s Crape Myrtle Festival. Here’s a fun fact–did you know that Waxahachie is the Crape Myrtle Capital of Texas? Anyway, the parade starts at 10 a.m. and this year’s theme is Pink Petals & Patriotism. After the parade, head to Getzendaner Park for an old-fashioned picnic. There will be free hotdogs, snow cones bounce houses and a Wiffle Ball home run derby.

Like your celebrations a little bigger? Check out Irving’s Independence Day Parade & Reception. Start the day with the city’s community award-winning parade which features floats, costumes, and custom vehicles. After the parade, cool off at the free watermelon reception and concert at Heritage Park in beautiful Downtown Irving. When the sun goes down, head to Lake Carolyn for the evening’s festivities–a free kid’s zone, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks show. Uncle Sam himself will be working the crowd so be sure to have your camera ready.

Photo: Pinterest

What could be more American than pie? I’ll tell you. A pie eating contest. It’s the perfect combination of what we Americans love best: Pie and a competition involving pie. You can get those competitive juices going Saturday in the Land of the Free Home of the Brave Pie Eating Contest. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place winners in both kids and adult divisions. The contest is presented by Bonafide Betties Pie Company and Photo Wagon and happens in Rockwall’s beautiful historic Downtown Square.

If pie isn’t your thing, but you still want to put your mad eating skills to the test, check out the 6th Annual Watermelon Eating Contest that happens Saturday at the Liberty By The Lake Festival in The Colony. If you really want to push the envelope on competitive eating don’t miss the 7th Annual 4th of July Hot Dog Eating Contest at Curly’s Frozen Custard in Fort Worth. Both contests will fill up so get there early if you want to compete.

Run, Schultzy! Run! Photo: Frisco Freedom Fest

Speaking of hot dogs don’t miss the Third Annual Dachshund Dash. That’s right, weenie dogs will go for the gold in this warm up for the Hotter n’ Firecrackers 5K that happens Sunday night at Frisco Square. All the proceeds from the event go to the Collin County Animal Shelter. Both events are part of the 2-day Frisco Freedom Fest.

If patriotic music makes you proud to be an American, head to the Fort Worth Botantic Gardens on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday for Concerts in the Garden. An old-fashioned family firework show, concert and picnic all rolled into one featuring the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Sit on the lawn or reserve a table and listen to a medley of marches, salutes, and songs of American heritage. Afterward, enjoy a spectacular fireworks show. A word to the wise. Be sure to get to the Gardens EARLY to stake your claim on prime picnic space.

Photo: Sean Deuby

Those of you east of the Trinity won’t want to miss the Dallas Winds’ Annual Fourth of July concert, at the Meyerson. Besides performing all your patriotic favorites, there will be a cameo from good ol’ Uncle Sam, himself. Plus, they’ll also have indoor fireworks in the form of CONFETTI canons! You can expect plenty of “oohs” and “ahhs” with this one.