With increased concerns about the continuing coronavirus pandemic, many in-person Fourth of July activities have been sidelined. But some events are still happening, and others have shifted to virtual formats.
Traditionally held events that have been already canceled this year include Frisco Freedom Fest, Richardson’s Family Fourth event, Southlake’s Star and Stripes festival, Addison Airport Airshow and Kaboom Town! watch party, Colleyville’s Stars and Guitars celebration, Flower Mound’s Independence Fest and Splashtacular, and the Red, White & Lewisville concert.
Here are some events and activities planned for this week:
Addison to stream Kaboom Town! fireworks show
The town of Addison has moved its Kaboom Town! fireworks show to an undisclosed location and will stream the show on its YouTube channel at 9:30 p.m. July 3. The show, which will feature nearly 30% more shells than last year, will also be broadcast on CW33 at 10 p.m. July 4.
Fort Worth to hold 'Fourth at Panther Island’ from afar
The city of Fort Worth will celebrate the Fourth of July holiday from afar with its "Fourth at Panther Island." The event will feature one of the largest fireworks shows in North Texas beginning at 9:20 p.m. July 4. Access to Panther Island will be restricted, but area residents can enjoy the show from their residence or via a live-stream option on Fox4News.com.
Frisco, FC Dallas to host fireworks show
The city of Frisco and FC Dallas will host a 20-minute fireworks show beginning at 9:30 p.m. July 4. Four FC Dallas parking lots will be available for the public to view the fireworks: Tundra Platinum, Camry Gold Lot, Corolla Red Lots and Highlander Green Lots. The show will also be streamed live on the city’s website and Facebook page, as well as being visible from around the George A. Purefoy Municipal Center.
Grapevine celebration to feature 24-minute fireworks show
Grapevine’s 38th Annual July 4th Extravaganza will feature a 24-minute fireworks show. Though the show is free, the city has several recommendations on its website for viewing areas that have an admission fee.
Keller Police to host virtual bike parade
The Keller Police Department will host a virtual Fourth of July bike parade from 12:01 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. July 4. Keller residents are encouraged to attend the fifth annual Keller PD bike parade using the city of Keller Facebook page. Children ages 2-12 can enter the event for free by emailing a photo of their own Fourth of July parade to Keller PD community relations at [email protected].
McKinney to host fireworks, drive-thru parade
The city of McKinney is planning a drive-thru parade July 4 with stationary floats set up in designated spots. The parade will be held from 9-11 a.m. in historic downtown McKinney. That evening, professional fireworks will be launched from the McKinney Soccer Complex at Craig Ranch at 9:30 p.m., though no parking or pedestrian traffic will be allowed. People will be able to view the show from up to 4 miles away and can watch from their homes or vehicles. Choreographed music to accompany the fireworks will be played on 101.1 WRR FM.
Plano to feature elevated Independence Day show
Plano will raise the altitude of its Fourth of July fireworks display to allow more residents to view them from their homes, vehicles or neighborhoods, the city said in a June 9 news release. The patriotic pyrotechnics, usually launched near a mass gathering at Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, will instead be launched nearby from Lavon Farms. The music for the Plano show will be broadcast on 97.5 KLAK.
Richardson to celebrate Family 4th at Home
The virtual celebration will involve several family friendly events beginning June 30 and leading up to July 4. Each day the city will release a patriotic activity on its website and its Facebook page. The city is encouraging residents to share their patriotic photos on Facebook and Instagram with the hashtag #RichardsonFamily4th. Select photos will be used as part of the Family 4th at Home recap video, which will be available to view on the city’s website the week of July 6.
Roanoke virtual event to feature music, magic, bike performances
The city of Roanoke is planning a virtual event to celebrate Independence Day beginning at 7:30 p.m. July 3. The virtual celebration will feature music from Journey tribute band, Escape, magic and BMX show performances, as well as a message and National Anthem rendition performed by Roanoke Mayor Scooter Gierisch. The free, virtual show will be available on the city website, YouTube page and social media platforms using @CityofRoanokeTX.
Southlake fireworks show will be visible from neighborhoods
Southlake’s annual festival has been changed to a traditional fireworks display this year. The 15-minute show will be start at 9:30 p.m. July 3 at Bicentennial Park, though viewing is not admitted from the park. Residents are encouraged to watch from their neighborhoods.
Olivia Lueckemeyer, Daniel Houston, Ian Pribanic, Makenzie Plusnick, Liesbeth Powers and Miranda Jaimes contributed to this report.
