Independence Day is upon us and there are several opportunities to celebrate in the surrounding area. Check out these events for local fireworks displays and family fun.
July 3
The Whitesboro Riding Club’s 67th Annual Whitesboro Rodeo will take place July 3-5. Thursday, the club will be hosting its first-ever “Heroes Night” honoring Veterans and First Responders (show ID at the ticket booth for a free Thursday night rodeo ticket). Rodeo fans will enjoy the kids’ calf scramble and women’s steer scramble; food and retail vendors and concession stand hosted by Tioga FFA and FCCLA Boosters.
Thursday and Friday nights’ events will end with a post-rodeo fireworks show while Saturday night’s event will end with the return of a dance at the pavilion. Tickets are available online at www.whitesbororidingclub.org or can be purchased from one of the Royalty candidates. Use Promo Code “Zoey25” or “Magnolia25” for the pre-sale price of $8 or purchase your tickets at the gate for $10. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the performance will start at 7:30 p.m. Free on-site parking is limited, so get there early.
Sherman’s 16th annual Lights on the Lake will take place at Pecan Grove West Park on Thursday, July 3. This free, fun-filled, family-friendly Independence Day celebration begins at 4 p.m. Stone Temple Pilots will take the stage around 7:30 p.m. Stick around when the sun goes down for a spectacular 20-minute fireworks display to begin at 9:30 p.m., brought to you by Simmons Bank. Enjoy on-site vendors or pack your own picnic. Either way, round up your family and friends, grab your lawn chairs and come enjoy Texoma’s biggest and best Independence Day celebration.
July 4
Downtown Denison and the City of Denison’s 38th annual celebration begins at 5 p.m. in Forest Park with onsite vendors. Live music (featuring Local Legends with Greg Guymon) begins at 7 p.m. in Munson Stadium and fireworks will begin at dusk. This family-friendly event is free and sponsored by First United Bank, Denison ISD and Texoma Medical Center.
The Tioga Volunteer Fire Department’s annual Independence Day celebration will begin with a parade at 5:30 p.m. Food vendors will open at 6:15 p.m. and live music begins at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks will take place at dusk.
Gunter City Park will hold an Independence Day celebration from 6-10 p.m. Enjoy music from Don Stalling & the Divided (sponsored by Mustang Special Utility) while enjoying great food, arts and crafts, games, free kids’ activities and more. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and blankets and grab that perfect spot for Gunter’s famous fireworks show by Davis & Miller Fireworks Co. (sponsored by the City of Gunter). Special thanks to Freedom Sponsor, Ameritex Pipe & Products.
July 5
The Lake Texoma Association’s annual fireworks show will begin at 6 p.m. near the Roosevelt Bridge. Enjoy live music and water slides for the kids on the front lawn, food trucks and more! The event is free thanks to several sponsors, including Pointe Vista Lake Texoma, Texoma Boathouse, Marshall County Tourism, West Bay Casino & Resort, First Texas National Bank, CBO Technologies, First United Bank, Lake Life Heating and Air and 360 Broadband.
Remember, setting off fireworks (even sparklers) within city limits is illegal. However you decide to celebrate, heed local laws and use common sense. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!