National freedom will be celebrated locally at Murphy Park in Taylor.
The American Legion Graham D. Luhn Post 39 will host the 4th of July celebration and fireworks next Tuesday, July 4. The festival includes a parade and more throughout the day.
“We’re ready to roll,” said Scott Dean, Post 39 commander. “We’re just over a week out. We’ve got food trucks lined up, music lined up, free beer lined up, fireworks lined up. We’re all set.”
Festivities begin at 9 a.m. with the parade. The route will begin at Old Taylor High, 410 W Seventh St., head north on Davis Street, turn right on Lake Drive and then drive into Murphy Park, 1600 Veteran’s Dr. in Taylor.
“We’re always looking for more entrants on that,” said Dean.
To participate in the parade, visit Post 39’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/grahamdluhn for more information.
An ice cream social and more will begin at 10 a.m. outside the post building.
“We’re going to be giving away free ice cream and watermelon for the kids and kids at heart,” said Dean.
Food trucks will also be parked at the Post. The American Legion does not charge food trucks to be at the event.
“We want the community to have a good selection and we want everybody to make money,” said Dean, “so that’s why we invited them. We handpick them.”
Music will be provided by Morningstar at the park pavilion at 7 p.m. The band specializes in classic rock.
“They played for us a number of years ago,” said Dean. “We’re just really excited about them. They’re really good. The guy can really channel, Jimi Hendrix.”
A recognition ceremony will be at 6:30 p.m. At 7 p.m., fireworks
At 7 p.m., fireworks are scheduled to light up Taylor’s sky. Organizers have gone through official steps to keep the show alive amid city and county firework restrictions for the general public.
“You can’t just go indiscriminately and pop up fireworks around town. (The police) will ticket you, especially because we have got no rain,” said Dean. “Everything’s so dry.”
The American Legion have hired a fireworks company with insurance, state license and permission from Taylor’s municipal government.
“It’s a whole process we go through for this,” added Dean.
If rain relief happens to come July 4, fireworks could be postponed to July 5-7.
“We have a guaranteed three-day window on that,” said Dean. “We would determine it that night and post it and probably make the announcement right then and there.”
Residents are advised to check the Graham D. Luhn Post 39 Facebook page for updates.
In addition to the event’s activities, residents are invited to have fun steps away at the park’s pool in the Doris Roznovak Aquatic Center, tennis courts and other amenities.
“We’re really excited about it,” said Dean, “and ready to go.”
