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Posted: June 23, 2006
For many Plano families, there’s nothing better than spending the July Fourth holiday in Plano, Texas. A large white dining fly on the median on Independence Parkway is as familiar to parade goers as the annual July 4th parade that passes before it.
“The July 4th Parade is a tradition with us,” said Glenn Watson at last year’s parade. “We have friends and family come in every year and we start the day with the parade and end it with the fireworks. There’s a lot of food in-between all that. Plano and July Fourth. We wouldn’t be anywhere else.”
By 9:00 a.m. the Watson clan annually sets up their large white dining fly in the median on Independence Parkway, folding chairs decorated with flags scattered underneath, several coolers laden with food and beverages off to the side. “It’s a major event for Glenn,” whispered his smiling wife, Anna Watson.
With over 100 entries ranging from ornate floats to leaf blower brigades to dancing Chinese Dragon teams, marching bands and military exhibitions, the July 4 parade promises something for everyone.
“We brought the boys last year and even though they were too young to really appreciate the meaning of July 4, they loved the parade,” said Karen Morris during the 2005 parade. “This year we decided to just stay home again and enjoy the long weekend and the parade. We’ll be at the fireworks tonight and the boys are already talking about that.”
When it comes to fireworks, the City’s annual exhibit can’t be beat. With fireworks illegal in Plano and banned in the county this year due to the extreme dry drought conditions, only licensed exhibits will be allowed. Complete with simulcast patriotic music, Plano’s fireworks show is always a winner. This year marks its first time at the beautiful Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, a change in venue from its original location at Clark Stadium.
Monday - July 3
Plano Community Band Patriotic Concert
Haggard Park Gazebo, 7:30 p.m.
Historic Downtown Plano
Tuesday - July 4
Plano Early Lion’s Club Independence Day Parade
Begins at Plano Senior High (Park and Independence); travels down Independence to Spring Creek Parkway concluding at St. Elizabeth Seton Church. Start time is 9:30 a.m.
Plano Symphony Patriotic Pops featuring the Rich Tone Chorus
Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Drive (Richardson), 3:00 p.m.
July 4 Fireworks Celebration
NEW LOCATION: Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve
2801 Spring Creek Parkway, 9:30pm
Free parking at Collin County Community College and First United Methodist Church
Tune into 97.5 KLAK for Simulcast
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