Independence Day in Temple

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.

The Historic Preservation League of Temple (HPLT) will be having an Independence Day Parade. This parade takes place on Tuesday, 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 are 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 located at 6600 Research Loop. This event will be the 25th Annual H-E-B 4th of July Fun Fest & Fireworks Show. Be sure to arrive early to beat the traffic and get a good spot to view the show. The fireworks show will take place at 9:30 PM after the sun has set.

This year the H-E-B 4th of July Fun Fest will feature live music from Hair Metal Giants. Hair Metal Giants will take the stage at 7 PM. Don't forget to stay hydrated and protect yourselves from the sun with sunscreen. Outdoor events are lots of fun for the whole family, but it's important to remember to take precautions when planning to be outdoors for long periods of time.

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, visit Temple Parks Special Events.

At 9 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 at the parade event area early as a good parking spot, and parade-watching spot go quickly! The Festival on Nolan Creek takes place following the parade from 11 AM to 3 PM. The festival will feature crafts and food vendors, games, and entertainment.

The PRCA Rodeo will be held at the Bell County Expo Center from July 1 to 3. Learn more by visiting the Bell County Expo website.

Schoepf's BBQ will feature a 4th of July Backyard Party with live entertainment and a fireworks show at the end of the night. The band, Sprung, will perform at 7 PM. The Fireworks show will take place after the concert. The concert at Schoepf's is a non-ticketed free event. Space is limited.

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 25th Annual H-E-B 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.

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!