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Fourth of July Roundup: See how the Panhandle will celebrate Independence Day

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chip chandler
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By Chip Chandler — Digital Content Producer

Celebrations of America's independence will stretch out for five days in a variety of parties, fireworks displays, concerts and more throughout the area.

As you'll see, many fireworks shows won't take place on July 4, giving you the chance to check out the annual A Capitol Fourth, airing at 7 p.m. Tuesday on Panhandle PBS (with an 8:30 p.m. encore broadcast immediately following).

The all-star musical and fireworks extravaganza, broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, will feature performances by soul men Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi of The Blues Brothers; iconic multi-platinum selling music legends The Beach Boys, with special guests Stamos (drums) and Sugar Ray’s Mark McGrath (vocals); legendary Motown stars The Four Tops; The Voice Season 12 winner Chris Blue; and Tony-nominated Broadway star Phillipa Soo (Amélie, Hamilton); with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly and others to be announced.

But if you're going out, here's a roundup of activities around the region:

 

Amarillo

City residents will celebrate not only the country's independence, but also the Mother Road in a series of events Friday and Saturday.

Amarillo's Route 66 Celebration launches with a kickoff concert featuring The Casey Donahew Band at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Big Texan Starlight Ranch, 1415 Sunrise Drive. Tickets are $16, plus fees. Call 806-372-6000.

The festivities continue Saturday the Route 66: The Heart of Amarillo 2017 Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Historic Route 66, between Georgia and Western streets on Sixth Avenue. Celebrate the Mother Road at this event featuring a car show, swap meet, antique market, art show, activities and more.

The party spreads downtown in several locations (check here for parking availability, and shuttle service will be available from Sixth Avenue and from Amarillo College):

Elsewhere in Amarillo, check out these activities:

  • The Don Harrington Discovery Center's annual Explode! celebration of science runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the center, 1400 Streit Drive. In addition to food and drink, crafts and activities will include a dunking booth, inflatable obstacle course, water rockets, sidewalk chalk art, bubbles, spin art, LED jewelry, and combustion, launches and explosions every half hour. Admission is $5, which includes admission to the center. Call 806-355-9547.
  • The 76th annual Will Rogers Range Riders Rodeo returns with action at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the Range Riders arena, 313 W. Loop 335 South. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for ages 8 to 12. Call 806-622-5038.
  • The Sons of the American Legion Hanson Post 54 will host Lights of Liberty from 4 p.m. to midnight Saturday at the post, 617 S.W. Seventh Ave. The party will feature food, drinks, live music, face painting, a live and silent auction, and more. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 12 to 18, and free for ages 11 and younger. Call 806-584-6865.
  • Music Box will host a LoveStock Mini-Bash from 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday at the shop, 907 S. Madison St. The party will feature free beer and music from Nicky Cortez, DJ RoRo, Raydon, Smooth Taste and others. Cover is $5. Call 806-374-7231.
  • Zombiez Bar & Grill will celebrate the July 4 holiday with an Independence Bash outdoor party featuring Lindi Willis, Stoner Dave & Hillbilly Jim, Barcode, Ragtown Chiefs, Pitchfork Surgery, Kazual Brutality, Visions Scarred, Dischordia and Enfuraeon Legion. The party runs 2 to 11 p.m. Sunday at the bar, 711 S.W. 10th Ave. Cover is $5. Call 806-331-7305.

 

Borger

The Celebrating Boomtown with a Bang festivities, held by the Borger Youth Advisory Council, will kick off at 7 p.m. Tuesday with a service honoring military personnel at Huber Park, 1400 S. Main St. Family activities, including free food, bounce houses and music, begins at 7:30 p.m., and the day concludes with a laser show at 9:30 p.m. Call 806-274-2211.

 

Cactus

Holiday activities begin around noon Sunday with a parade starting at Cactus Elementary School, 100 South Drive.

Activities then shift to Cactus Park, where a petting zoo, pony rides, vendors, live music, food, bingo and bounce houses for all ages will be available. Parking is available at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 501 S. Cherry Ave.

Call 806-421-1283.

 

Canadian

One of the area's most enduring Independence Day celebrations kicks off Thursday in Canadian.

The 129th annual Fourth of July celebration runs through Tuesday in the northeast Panhandle town. Activities have a range of prices.

Daily activities include:

Thursday

  • Music in the Park will feature Amarillo piano man Jason Patrick at 7 p.m. at the Canadian Visitors Center, 119 N. Second St. Admission is free.
  • Rodeo performance at 7 p.m. at the Canadian Rodeo Arena, Texas Highways 83 and 60; admission is $10 ages 7 and older

Friday

  • Canadian Arts Alliance's summer theater campers will perform Alice's Adventures in Wonderland at 6 p.m. at the Texas Crown Performance Hall, 404 S. Sixth St. Admission is free.
  • Rodeo performance at 7 p.m. at the Canadian Rodeo Arena, Texas Highways 83 and 60; admission is $10 ages 7 and older
  • Rodeo dance with Chuck Mead and opener Bonnie & The Clydes at 9 p.m. at Jones Pavilion, 1101 N. Sixth St.; tickets are $20 at the gate

Saturday

  • Rodeo performance at 7 p.m. at the Canadian Rodeo Arena, Texas Highways 83 and 60; admission is $10 ages 7 and older
  • Rodeo dance with rising Nashville star Drake White and opener Bonnie & The Clydes at 9 p.m.; tickets are $20 at the gate

Tuesday

  • Arts & Crafts Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Hemphill County Courthouse lawn, 400 Main St.
  • "United We Stand" parade at 10 a.m. from Wildcat Stadium, Seventh and Cedar Streets, to Hemphill County Courthouse
  • Turtle race following the parade in the courthouse parking lot
  • Hot dog lunch at Lowe's Market, 404 S. Second St.
  • Thorns & Horns: Where the Buffalo Roamed by Dallas Mayer from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at River Valley Pioneer Museum, 118 N. Second St.; Meyer will offer live demonstrations throughout the day
  • Art & Croquet on the Lawn from 1 to 4 p.m. at The Citadelle, 520 Nelson Ave.; also includes a viewing of the exhibition Alphonse Mucha: Master of Art Nouveau 
  • Rodeo performance at 4 p.m. at the Canadian Rodeo Arena; admission is $10 ages 7 and older
  • Watermelon feast at 5:30 p.m. at the Hemphill County Duck Ponds by the arena
  • 23rd annual Duck Race at 6 p.m.
  • Fireworks display at dusk

Call 806-323-6234 or visit www.canadiantx.com.

 

Canyon

The giant July 4 celebrations in Canyon kick off with the Kickin' It in Canyon concert featuring headliner Pat Green and opener Buster Bledsoe Band at 7 p.m. Monday at First United Bank Center on the West Texas A&M University campus. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate.

Activities continue at 7 a.m. Tuesday with the Canyon Lions Club pancake breakfast at Cole Community Center, Third Avenue and 16th Street, followed by the Fair on the Square from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Canyon.

The Independence Day Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. along Fourth Avenue.

A fireworks show will begin at dark Tuesday, with viewing in Conner Park and elsewhere. (A previous update had an incorrect date; our apologies.)

Call 806-655-7815.

 

Clarendon

The Saints' Roost Celebration, the region's oldest continuous holiday tradition, celebrates its 140th year with activities from Friday through Tuesday in Clarendon.

Friday's events include a Depression Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Crossties Ministry Center, 56 Mathilda Ave.; downtown sales; and the Ranch Rodeo at 7:30 p.m. at the Clarendon Outdoor Entertainment Association rodeo arena, one block north of U.S. Highway 287 east of town. Luke Koepke & Indian Creek will perform at a dance at 9 p.m.

Saturday's activities include an arts and crafts fair at 9 a.m. on the square at the Donley County Courthouse, 300 S. Sully St., and the Old Settlers Reunion at 9 a.m., followed by the parade at 10 a.m. along Kearney, Third and Sully streets. The Shriners' barbecue lunch begins at 11 a.m.; tickets for the lunch are $12. A turtle race kicks off at 3 p.m. Ranch Rodeo action begins at 7:30 p.m. at the arena, followed by a dance featuring Dalton Domino at 9 p.m.

The monthly Whistle Stop Trade Days shopping expo and farmers market with 100 vendors, live music, food and more will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1211 E. Second St.

The celebration concludes with a washer pitching contest at 1 p.m. Sunday at the arena and a Junior Ranch Rodeo at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, also at the arena.

Call 806-874-2421. 

 

Dalhart

Community celebrations in Dalhart run from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at The Purpose Market, 324 Rock Island Ave., featuring a farmers market, patriotic games and giveaways, food, a bounce house and more. 

The town's fireworks display will take place at dark Sunday at Lake Rita Blanca State Park south of town. 

Call 806-244-5646.

 

Dumas

Celebrations in Dumas begin with the annual World Championship Mud Volleyball tournament at 8 a.m. Tuesday at McDade Park, 16th Street and Maddox Avenue. 

Entry fees are $10 and due by 5 p.m. Friday, but watching is free.

Activities will continue at 9:15 p.m. Tuesday with a ceremony honoring military and first responders, then a fireworks show at dark.

Call 806-935-2123.

 

Gruver

Folks in Gruver will take to the streets for a July 4 dance from 8 to 11 a.m. Tuesday in front of City Hall, 201 E. Broadway St.

Call 806-733-2424.

 

Hereford

The city will host a fireworks show at dark Monday at the Hereford Aquatic Center, 400 E. 15th St. 

Call 806-364-3333.

 

Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

Holiday activities take place Sunday around the lake, including a concert by Raising Cane at 7:30 p.m. at the Fritch Fortress Amphitheater and fireworks at dark. Then, the blockbuster Independence Day will screen as part of the new Movies at the Lake series at 9 p.m. Monday at the amphitheater. Admission is free.

Call 806-857-3151.

 

Memphis

A flag retirement ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday on the square at the Hall County Courthouse, 512 W. Main St.

The town fireworks display will take place at dusk Tuesday at Cyclone Stadium, 1501 High St., following a party that opens at 6 p.m. with hamburgers, ice cream, kids activities and more.

Call 806-681-1281.

 

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

The Texas outdoor musical drama will offer an extended version of its fireworks and dancing water finale for a week of performances from Saturday through July 8, including a special Monday show.

Performances begin at 8:30 p.m. nightly, with dinner service beginning at 6 p.m. at Pioneer Amphitheatre in the park.

Tickets are $16.95 to $30.95 for adults and $12.95 to $26.95 for children. Meals are an additional $16 for adults and $9 for children.

Call 806-655-2181 or visit www.texas-show.com.

 

Pampa

The Pampa Fire Department will oversee the annual fireworks show Tuesday at Recreation Park, east of town on Texas Highway 60. Fireworks will begin at dusk. 

Call 806-669-5800.

 

Perryton

A fireworks show will begin at dark Tuesday at Lake Fryer near the northeast Panhandle town.

Call 806-435-6575.

 

Plainview

The Red, White & Moo Milk Fest, a joint celebration of National Dairy Month in June and the July 4 holiday, is set for Tuesday on the Hale County Courthouse lawn, 500 Broadway St. in Plainview.

Activities begin with a parade at 10 a.m.; and the festival from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., featuring the Plainview Civic Music Association, a petting zoo, free ice cream, milk and cheese, and more.

Food trucks will sell food on the west side of the courthouse, and the annual firework show begins at dark at Running Water Draw Park, 3400 W. Fourth St.

Call Main Street Plainview at 806-296-1119.

 

Shamrock

A fireworks display will begin at dusk Tuesday from the Shamrock Rodeo Arena, west of town on Interstate 40.

Call 806-256-2501.

 

Tulia

The annual Fourth of July celebrations run from 5 to 10:30 p.m. Tuesday in McKenzie Park, west of softball fields on South Austin Avenue.

Activities include a horseshoe tournament, a volleyball tournament, a washer pitch tournament, bounce houses for the kids and more. Food and drink will be availabe for purchase.

The night culminates in a fireworks display and a concert by Amarillo singer Lindsey Lane with opener Emily George.

Call 806-995-2296.

 

Vega / Adrian

Two Oldham County towns both have celebratory plans Tuesday.

At 9 a.m., Vega residents will head to the town's Interstate 40 overpass to wave American flags for oncoming traffic. Also in town, Dairy Queen will offer free ice cream cones for children who can correctly recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Then, at 6 p.m., the celebration moves to nearby Adrian, where activities, music, games and more will take place at Adrian City Park. A fireworks show begins at dark.

Call 806-267-2828.

 

Wellington

The 15th annual Fourth of July Rodeo runs Thursday through Saturday in Wellington.

Action begins at 7:30 p.m. nightly at the city rodeo grounds, First Street and Texas Highway 83. 

Events in the Kansas Pro Rodeo Association-sanctioned event include mutton busting, bareback riding, steer wrestling, calf scramble and more.

J.W. Lane & County Road X will perform for a dance at 9:45 p.m. Friday, and a fireworks display is set for Saturday following the rodeo.

Rodeo admission is $10 or $5 for ages 17 and younger.

Call 806-447-5848.

 

Wheeler

Four days of Fourth of July activities are on tap in Wheeler.

Activities begin Saturday with co-ed softball at 9 a.m. at Tom Britt Field, 518 S. Osage St.; goat roping at 10 a.m. at the Wheeler Rodeo Grounds at Texas Highway 152 and Osage Street ; and a cornhole tournament at 6 p.m. at the field.

Sunday's lineup includes goat roping at 10 a.m. at the rodeo grounds; the Mr. and Miss Firecracker Pageant at 3 p.m. at Wheeler ISD, 1 Mustang Drive; and a soccer tournament at 6 p.m. on the Wheeler football field.

a clay target shoot at the rodeo grounds, 3/4 mile east of the intersection of Texas Highways 152 and 83; and a barbecue cookoff at 6 p.m. and dance with the Texas Pearl Snaps at 9 p.m. on the courthouse square, .

Monday's activities include goat roping at 10 a.m. at the rodeo grounds; a kickball tournament at noon at Wheeler ISD; and a shrimp boil with live music and vendors at The Tipsy Bird, 508 S. Main St.

And finally, Tuesday's full day includes breakfast burritos at 7 a.m. at the Wheeler County Courthouse square, 401 Main Street; the Ben Britt Fun Run at 7:35 a.m. at the courthouse; the parade at 9 a.m. down Main Street to City Park; turtle races, bounce houses, dunk tanks food and more from 10 a.m. on at City Park; the Saline Fiddlers at 6 p.m.; Chamber of Commerce presentations at 8 p.m; and fireworks at dark.

Call 806-826-3408.

 

 

Christian Johnson assisted with this report.

 

Chip Chandler is a digital content producer for Panhandle PBS. He can be contacted at Chip.Chandler@actx.edu, at @chipchandler1 on Twitter and on Facebook.