History of the Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is a time of celebration and commemorates the Declaration of Independence. On July 4th, 1776, The United States of America gained its independence and became a country for the people. Today, we celebrate with fireworks, festivities and gatherings, and parades in honor of this significant, joyous event in history. Check out some of the great ways you can celebrate Independence Day in Bell County this weekend.

City of Temple Celebrations

The Historic Preservation League of Temple (HPLT) will be having an Independence Day Parade. This parade takes place on Monday, July 4th at 9 AM. The parade route starts at the corner of French and 9th St. Get yourselves, your bikes, and your wagons decked out for this parade! No motorized vehicles permitted in the parade. Don't have a bike, but still want to participate? You can dress up in red, white, and blue and walk the route. The Historic Preservation League of Temple will have free snow cones, cookies, and lemonade. For more information on the event and the organization, find the Historic Preservation League of Temple on Facebook.

This year, the City of Temple is planning a celebration event that takes place on July 4th at Crossroads Park. This event will be the 24th Annual H-E-B All American 4th of July Family Fun Fest & Fireworks Show. This year's celebrations feature live music and entertainment from alternative country band, Brodie Lane as well as craft and food vendors to snack and shop as you wait for the fireworks to begin. Crossroads Park will be open at 4 PM for the event. Live music from the Brodie Lane Band will begin at 7 PM. The fireworks show will take place at 9:30 PM after the sun has set.

New this year is the Sky Wonder Pyrotechnics mobile app. This app allows guests the opportunity to enjoy the fireworks display from anywhere. Download the app: https://qrco.de/bd8B8O This app allows anyone with a smart phone to listen to the show's music in multicast and watch all the fireworks.

Show up to the event early to check out the local vendors and enjoy time with the family and others who are equally as excited to celebrate the United States of America and all the things America has accomplished since winning its independence. This exciting, family fun event will be one for the history books.

The event is free and open to the public. Make sure to bring lawn chairs, blankets, sunscreen, plenty of water, and friends or family to enjoy the festivities with. For more information regarding this special event, check out City of Temple Parks & Recreation to learn more.

Belton Celebrations

At 10 AM on July 4th, there will be a Belton 4th of July Celebration Parade starting at UMHB and ending near the Belton Police Department. Visitors should plan to arrive to the parade event area early as a good parking spot and parade-watching spot go quickly! After the parade takes place there will be a festival full of crafts and food vendors, games, and entertainment for the Festival on Nolan Creek event. Schoepf's BBQ will feature a 4th of July Backyard Party with live entertainment and a fireworks show at the end of the night.

How to Handle the Outdoor Heat Like a Pro

July is one of the hottest months of the year. Heat exhaustion and dehydration can occur quickly in these rising temperatures. Discover Temple has a few tips for you to beat the heat this Fourth of July. Don’t forget to pack the mosquito spray! Getting several bug bites from one exciting evening out is not how you want to spend the aftermath of these festive events. Be sure to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on if you plan to attend the parade or the fireworks show and the 24th Annual H-E-B Family Fun Fest. Most importantly, make sure to pack plenty of ice-cold water bottles. Stay hydrated to help combat the effects the hot temperature can have. 

Before you head out for any celebration this holiday weekend, be sure to have your red, white, and blue attire ready. Celebrate America’s Independence right by wearing our nation’s patriotic colors.

It's Time to Celebrate

Whether you choose to attend one event this Fourth of July or all the events in the area, the important thing to remember is why we celebrate Fourth of July. This Independence Day gather your loved ones near and celebrate the great country that we live in with laughter, fun, festivities, and fireworks. Happy Independence Day!