Area gears up for Independence Day celebrations

Organizations in both the Graham and the Mineral Wells areas are gearing up for another fantastic Fourth of July with multiple events that are sure to bring in many visitors. Graham Events 4th at the Field July 1 – 4 p.m. Graham Soccer Fields VFW Post 8567 and the Graham Soccer Association invites the public to celebrate the Fourth of July during the 4th At The Field event on Saturday, July 1, at the Graham Soccer Fields. Entry will be $10 per car and at the event will be bounce houses, an outdoor cinema and food truck and concessions. Visitors are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs for an evening of fireworks and fun. Kiwanis Breakfast July 4 – 7-11 a.m. Graham American Legion Building The Graham Kiwanis Club will be hosting their annual pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. on July 4 at the Graham American Legion Building located 609 Elm St. Visitors to the event can pay $7 to get all you can eat pancakes and those aged 5 and under are free. Food and beverages at the event include pancakes, bacon, sausage and orange juice and milk. All proceeds from the breakfast go towards local community programs. Red, White and You Fourth of July Parade July 4 – 9 a.m. Graham downtown square The 17th annual Fourth of July Independence Parade will be held on the Graham downtown square with a ceremony honoring veterans at 9 a.m. and the parade will follow at 11 a.m. Vendors will be on the Graham downtown square and visitors are encouraged to leave a special message for servicemen on the chalk wall located on Oak and Second Street. The parade will be managed by three non-profit veterans service organizations in Young County which include the American Volunteer Reserve, Freedom Care Warrior Project and the VFW Post 8567. Applications to be a part of the parade must be returned to Knox Bishop at gknoxb2@gmail.com or by mail at 215 Eastpark Drive Graham, TX 76450. Area Events Hell’s Gate Fireworks Show July 1 – 6:30 p.m. YMCA Camp Grady Spruce The Possum Kingdom Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their annual Hell’s Gate Fireworks Show on Saturday, July 1, beginning at sunset. Those interested may view the show by boat on the water or from YMCA Camp Grady Spruce, which is located at the end of Park Rd. 36. The camp will be providing entertainment, children’s activities, concessions and more. Those attending are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets, etc. The camp’s gates will open at 6:30 p.m. and close at 8:45 p.m. Entry fees are $5 per person. Children under 3 years old will be free. For more information, call the PK Chamber at 940-779-2424. VFW Post 2399 July Fourth Fish Fry July 1 – noon VFW Post 2399 Building The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2399 in Mineral Wells will be hosting their annual fish fry in celebration of Independence Day on Saturday, July 1, beginning at noon at their location, 1400 Veterans of Foreign Wars Rd. The event is free for the community to attend. For more information, call 940-325-1470. Bring Your Own Fireworks Show July 4 – 6 p.m. Loving Community Center Loving Community Center is hosting a Bring Your Own Fireworks show on July 4 at 6 p.m. at the Loving Community Center located at 1015 Steadham St. Entry to the event is $2 per person, and those ages 3 and younger are free. Visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy a night of fireworks in Loving. Fourth of July Picnic in the Park July 4 – 6 p.m. Graford City Park. The City of Graford will host their annual Fourth of July Picnic in the Park on Tuesday, July 4 beginning at 6 p.m. in the city park, located on Main St. in downtown Graford. Admission to the event is free and hotdogs along with beverages will be provided. A band will also be performing in the park’s gazebo. The fireworks show will begin at dark. For more information, call 940-664-2125. Mineral Wells Community Fireworks Show July 4 Ram Stadium Chicken Express will once again sponsor the Mineral Wells community fireworks show at Ram Stadium, located at 3801 Ram Blvd. in Mineral Wells. The fireworks show will start at dark and can be viewed from inside the stadium and the surrounding area. The event is free to the public. For more information, call 940-325-2557.