Families in Walker County have an opportunity to get together today to celebrate the Fourth of July.

With events taking place in both Huntsville and New Waverly, residents can enjoy their patriotic holiday at the park or participating in activities to support their local fire department.

The City of Huntsville’s Recreation Services Department will host its second annual Fourth of July Celebration at Kate Barr Ross Park in Huntsville from 4-8 p.m.

Parents and their children can look forward to a full afternoon of events with a blast-off of fireworks around 9 p.m.

The park is located off state Highway 75 North.

“We will have a rock wall, two moonwalks, face painting, cookie decorating and of course, our giant games at the park,” said Megan Crank, program assistant. “There will also be a hot dog eating contest, a bean bag toss and other contests where winners will receive various prizes.”

Crank said watermelon, popcorn and cotton candy will also be available during the event.

“A live band will perform from 6-9 p.m.,” she said. “We will probably begin shutting down the activities around 8 p.m., so kids can find their parents and pick a spot out on the lawn. The public is welcome to bring their own coolers, blankets and chairs to the park.

“The fireworks show will start anywhere from 9-9:30 p.m. KSAM will also be airing patriotic music throughout the show, so everyone is encouraged to tune in.”

Crank said alcohol or glass bottles are not allowed on the premises.

The event is also tentatively planning to have a car show during the event, displaying cars near the recreation activities.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Crank said. “We’re hoping that it’s even bigger and better than last year.”

For more information about activities at the park, contact Crank at (936) 294-5725.



New Waverly

The New Waverly Volunteer Fire Department invites the community to attend its Fourth of July annual fundraiser.

The celebration kicks off at 11 a.m. with lunch and closes with a bang when volunteer firefighters ignite a fireworks display at dark.

More than 350 people have attended the benefit in past years, drawing people from Walker and surrounding counties.

A variety of activities and games will be available for youngsters throughout the afternoon.

Firefighter Mark Atherton said the New Waverly department uses proceeds to purchase equipment, tools and other gear.

A barbecue lunch begins at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Joseph’s Church Hall, which also is the site of a live auction beginning at 1 p.m. Barbecue plates to go will be available.

Dinner plates are $7 each with brisket, sausage and chicken served along with the trimmings and desert.

The fire department will raffle numerous items around 7:30 p.m. prior to the start of the fireworks display at First Victoria Bank.

Three of the raffle items are a Honda Rancher 4-Wheeler, big-screen television and stainless grill.

Tickets are $1 each or six for $5.

“This is an event that the whole family can attend and is fun for the family,” Atherton said. “It’s safe and close to home.”

The fire department’s ladies auxiliary will join the firefighters selling tickets and preparing plates to go.

For more information about the fundraiser celebration, contact Atherton at (936) 672-4927.