Red, white and new: A sneak peek into Leander’s expanded Liberty Fest

While the drone show will begin at 9 p.m., the city also plans to host a 15-minute firework show shortly after at 9:45 p.m, according to city documents. The drones will be displayed near the traditional venue for Liberty Fest, Devine Lake Park.

The cost

The $69,000 price tag for the drone show includes a $9,000 protection against inclement weather so that the city can book July 5 as a potential rain-out date.

Sky Elements LLC, the company contracted for the drone show, is among the major drone show providers in the country and has a clientele including Disney Studios, Major League Baseball and Coca-Cola, according to city documents.

The current cost of Liberty Fest with the expanded programming and associated activities for this year totals around $216,000, said Ashlea Boyle, executive director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services for Leander.

Related highlights

At the same meeting, the City Council approved a special events permit for Liberty Fest.

Later in the day, shuttles will begin running at 5:30 p.m. from Danielson Middle School and Glenn High School to transport Liberty Fest attendees to Devine Lake Park. Parking will be available at both schools.

A week ahead of Liberty Fest, Leander will also host a “Nation Celebration” event June 27 at Lakewood Park. The event, which will run from 5-11 p.m., will feature live music, a pet parade, a free 5K glow run, food trucks and a showing of the 1996 film "Independence Day." Residents can take shuttles from Rouse High School for the event.

“We do anticipate that this event will be smaller in nature and attendance,” Boyle said. “We're not looking for it to be a Liberty Fest-type event. We're looking for maybe a couple hundred to a thousand to attend.”

A lantern trail will be installed at both the Nation Celebration and Liberty Fest events.

Other activities to do

During the Old Town Street Festival, Leander residents can leave their own mark on the city’s community mosaic mural. Tiles can be painted for free June 6 at the Leander Public Arts & Culture Commission Booth near 100 Brushy St. The completed mural will be displayed at the Senior Activity Center.

The city will also host the Liber-Tee Glow Ball Experience and the Independence Open golf programs June 20 and June 29, respectively.

The Leander City Council will also host a reception for veterans in the parking lot of Pat Bryson Municipal Hall at 6 p.m. before the start of their July 2 meeting.

Additionally, a letter-writing campaign to veterans and active duty service members will be hosted June 10 at the Senior Activity Center. Later that month, local historian Kathy Howell will speak June 17 at the center about the impact of early Texans on the American Revolution.

Ahead of Liberty Fest, the parks and recreation department has displayed decor throughout the city, along with a commemorative “America 250” sign within City Hall. There will also be community giveaways and merchandise available for purchase at Liberty Fest.

“This is an opportunity for our entire community, our entire nation to come together,” council member Natomi Blair said. “It's really nice to have these multiple activities that really connect us as a community."

What residents should know

Leander’s annual Liberty Fest event celebrates American independence with local vendors, family-friendly activities and live music. A total list of events and programming can be found at www.leandertx.gov/1023/america-250.

Sections of Municipal Drive, South West Drive and West South Street will be closed July 3 for the bike and pedestrian parade between 8:30-11 a.m. Additionally, sections of Waterfall Avenue and Maple Creek Drive will be closed between 5:30-11:59 p.m. later that day.