East Texas

By ASHLIE OSBURN
Staff Writer

Tyler Jaycees are planning Tyler’s 45th annual Independence Day celebration today, which includes the largest fireworks show ever displayed at Lindsey Park, beginning at 9:15 p.m.

Among the display is a 16-inch explosive that causes a display about 1,600 to 1,800 feet in diameter, and about 1,600 feet high, said Tom Tierce, fireworks contractor with Atlas Enterprises.

“That 16-inch shell is relatively large in size and I don’t know of anyone else in the state will have one this big,” Tierce said.

Lindsey Park opens at 4 p.m. for activities, while the fireworks show is scheduled for about 9:15 p.m. Admission is $10 per car and $20 per recreational vehicle.

No alcohol, smoking or weapons are allowed in the park.

According to police officials, beginning at 8:30 p.m. Tyler Police Department will close all eastbound traffic on Spur 364 at Loop 323, and the right lane of southbound traffic between Loop 323 and Greenbriar Road.

Only citizens residing off Spur 364 between Loop 323 and Greenbriar Road will be allowed to travel westbound on Spur 364 after providing proof of residency.

Following the event, the two left turn lanes eastbound on Highway 31 at Loop 323 will be closed. Officers directing traffic will not allow left turns, north, onto Loop 323 from the eastbound lanes of Highway 31.

The city of Bullard plans to kick-off Independence Day celebrations at 7:30 p.m. at Bullard High School.

Food, entertainment and a fireworks show at 9:15 p.m. are only a few activities available throughout the evening.

City officials are set to raffle off 40 to 45 items including a helicopter ride, free pizza for a year, a three-hour Hummer limousine ride, a Wii game console and an above ground pool, City Manager Larry Morgan said.

Knollwood Subdivision’s 13th annual parade is scheduled today for 9 a.m. at 14964 Northwood Dr.

Flint Gresham Fire Department are scheduled to bring an ambulance, fire and hazard truck to lead the parade, followed by participants clad in patriotic apparel, parade coordinator Diane Knowles said.

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, located outside the city limits at 13590 Texas Highway 110 South, is scheduled to host a fireworks display tonight at 9 p.m.

Festivities are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. where free hotdogs, chips and drinks will be available while supplies last.

Participants are asked to bring individual seating for the event.

The Lake Jacksonville Association’s celebration begins at 4 p.m. today at Lake Jacksonville, with an expected 30 minute fireworks display starting around 9:15 p.m.

“This should be the biggest and best fireworks show we’ve ever had,” said Marlene Jowell, Lake Jacksonville Association’s secretary.

Other festivities include a volleyball tournament beginning at 10 a.m. with musical entertainment starting at 6 p.m., project coordinator Laura Battle said.

Admission is free and open to the pubic, however, parking is limited.

A fireworks display is scheduled after a 7:05 p.m. baseball game between Kilgore’s wooden bat collegiate league, the East Texas Pump Jacks and the McKinney Marshals, located in Driller Park, chamber of commerce member Carol Hinton said.

Ben Wheeler officials plan to hold a Fourth of July celebration from noon to 6 p.m. today at the “front porch” stage behind the fire department on FM 773.

Festivities include musical entertainment, activities for children and an antique tractor show. Free hot dogs, soft drinks, watermelon and ice cream will be available while supplies last.

Musicians include Mike Morgan and the Crawl, Karl Berkebile, WhiskeyFish, Bob Mauldin and Texas Dirt.

Canton is set to begin festivities today at 10 a.m. with a parade along with activities at the square downtown, live music and a fireworks display.

Active duty military personnel will be honored by “A Salute to the Men & Women of the Armed Forces of the United States of America.”

The display is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. at the west gate of First Monday trade grounds, however, the gates are scheduled to close at 8:45 p.m. to allow time for parking, Main Street program member Karen Hendricks said.

Entertainment headliner T. Graham Brown along with Bob Mauldin, C.J. White, and Cheyane Smith are scheduled to perform in the Todd Berry Building within the fairgrounds.

Concert tickets are $20 each.

For ticket information, call 903-567-5566.