graphic by Jordan Bryan | The Battalion

Star-spangled Celebration

Brazos Valley residents commemorate nation's independence with festivities

By: Meagan O'Toole-Pitts

Posted: 7/2/09

Independence Day events in the Brazos Valley this weekend will offer fireworks, food, fun and - due to the burn ban - will ensure a safer holiday, Bryan fire marshals said.

"Instead of breaking the law by purchasing fireworks and shooting them off in restricted areas, we encourage everyone to go to the professional pyrotechnics shows; watch the professionals do it," said Bryan fire inspector and investigator William Bouse. "We all need to be extra careful because of the drought conditions - it only makes it worse."

Possessing, storing, selling or using fireworks within 5,000 feet of Bryan or College Station city limits is prohibited.

"Fines are $500 to $2,000," Bouse said. "We'll all be out patrolling - the patrolling officers and the fire department. We will be out there enforcing and writing citations."

Setting off fireworks as a nonprofessional also poses personal injury risks, said Dr. Mark Lindsay, ophthalmologist and clinical assistant professor.

"Follow all the standard directions, or let trained people provide the fireworks display [while you] sit back on a lawn chair and watch them happen," Lindsay said. "Some 200 to 400 people a year in the U.S. get permanent vision loss due to fireworks."

Fireworks displays kick off Friday at the Brazos Valley Bank Ballpark after the Bombers game. On the Fourth of July, fireworks will be displayed at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum "I Love America" celebration and Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site's "Fireworks-on-the-Brazos." The last pyrotechnics show will be Sunday at the Texas World Speedway's Second Annual "Red White & Blue Charity

Extravaganza."

The Barrington Living History Farm, part of Washington-on-the-Brazos and the former residence of the last president of the Republic of Texas Anson Jones, offers spectators a look into history as a fully functioning 1850s farm in which staff members carry out the day's chores dressed in period clothing.

"It's an opportunity for our visitors to experience an important part of Texas history, while enjoying a family atmosphere and, of course, viewing the beautiful fireworks in the evening," said Washington-on-the-Brazos office manager Shirleen McDonald. "During the day we will have roaming musicians and the museum will have dulcimer musicians."

New to this year's Washington-on-the-Brazos Independence Day celebration is Lott's Tavern, an 1830s replica tavern.

"It's an additional interpretive venue; everyone's in period clothing. It's like watching a live play; they are living the life," McDonald said. "It's like walking back in time."

Alcohol is prohibited, in accordance with park regulations.

The H-E-B Buddy Kids Zone, also new to the event, will offer children's games and activities, including a rock wall.

At the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum Fourth of July celebration, "I Love America," historical characters Uncle Sam, Lady Liberty, Ben Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Martha Washington, Theodore Roosevelt and Betsy Ross will be available for photographs and offer educational tidbits.

"['I Love America'] is an enjoyable family event that celebrates the birth of our nation," said George Bush Presidential Library and Museum public relations intern Tomeka Robinson. "I hope for it to continue for years to come."

Darth Vader, Spock, NASA astronaut characters and children's amusements, including inflatable jumps, will start the day's festivities. Live entertainment in the evening includes the Texas Unlimited Band, Elvis impersonator Jason Adam and the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra.

Texas World Speedway's Second Annual "Red White & Blue Charity Extravaganza" will feature a car show, burnout contest, 5K fun run, kids zone, and ride-alongs with racing instructors.

Aside from the dangers of fireworks, grilling and long-term exposure to outside elements can also prove harmful, Bouse said.

"If you're out in the county, be really careful barbecuing; be sure to have a fire extinguisher, water or some sort of extinguishment for your fire," he said. "I think the clouds will clear pretty soon and it'll be really hot again so use sunscreen, and drink lots of water to avoid dehydration."

SATURDAY

Washington-on-the-Brazos

10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Festival food vendors on site

6:30 p.m. Free 1850s period children's games

7 p.m. Free ice cream and free Coca-Cola drinks

8 p.m. Free "Back at the Ranch" Western Swing Concert with Patriotic Video

9 p.m. H-E-B presents Fireworks-on-the-Brazos

"I Love America"

9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Extended museum hours

5 p.m. Historical and fictional characters

5:30 p.m. Live entertainment, concessions and games for the children

6:45 to 8:45 p.m. Live music

9:40 p.m. Fireworks

SUNDAY

2nd Annual Red, White, and Blue Charity

Extravaganza

Noon to 5 p.m. Car Show

6:15 p.m. Burnout Contest

1 to 6 p.m. The Kid Zone

7:30 to 8:30 p.m. 5k Fun Run

9 p.m. Fireworks

6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Live music