TYLER COUNTY – Two hundred and fifty years is quite a significant anniversary, and as our country celebrates that milestone, celebrations will take place all across this great land on Saturday.
This July 4 commemorates 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. For the semi-quincentennial, or quarter-millennium celebration, Tyler County is going big with events occurring all across the county.
A countywide celebration put on by the county will take place at the rodeo arena in Woodville, and promises plenty of “old-fashioned fun, small-town pride and big American spirit.”
The event begins at 6 p.m., and will feature all sorts of fun, according to County Treasurer Leann Monk, ranging from a bicycle parade and a pet parade to a hot dog eating contest and a homemade ice cream making contest. There will also be a vintage car show, plenty of food vendors and boutique and craft vendors.
Monk said she wants to make sure that the public knows that the event is free for all to come and enjoy.
“Make sure you celebrate with us…Tyler County is excited to do this,” she said.
The event also features several opportunities for the youth of the county to showcase their talents, including an art contest open to several mediums and a “Little Miss/Mr. Fourth of July Photo Contest.”
“The final thing we’ll be doing to close the night out is the Read Family fireworks show. We’re excited about that. It’s going to be so much fun,” Monk said.
The celebrations will also take place in Chester, Colmesneil and Ivanhoe. In Chester, the fun begins at 4 p.m. at the Chester City Park. The event is co-hosted by the City of Chester, the Chester Volunteer Fire Department and Peachtree Community Church.
It will feature plenty of children’s activities and games; lots of food; a hot dog eating contest; vendors and a fireworks show at dark.
In Colmesneil, a fireworks show is scheduled to take place out at Lake Tejas, beginning at 9 p.m. Organizer Chesley Flournoy is encouraging everyone to come early, stay late and to enjoy the show. The admission is $5 per car after 7 p.m.
Ivanhoe is hosting its annual golf cart parade beginning at 10 a.m., with hot dogs and ice cream immediately following at the Community Center. From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. the Jamie Nichols Band will perform, and there will be pulled pork sandwiches available, and a fireworks display starting at 9 p.m.
Church in the Country is getting an early start on the fun, with the Freedom Friday celebration scheduled for Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. It promises, according to Pastor Jordan Wilson, the largest fireworks show in Tyler County, and will feature Noah Jackson and the Neches River Band.
