Numerous Independence Day festivities planned throughout the Hill Country

After a year in which no public celebrations were allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Texas Hill Country plans to make up for lost time in 2021.

The City of Kerrville is inviting people to attend “Robert Earl Keen’s Fourth on the River” event which is scheduled for Sunday, July 4 at Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Drive in Kerrville. Numerous festivities will be ongoing throughout the day including vendors, music and a fireworks show.

The music lineup begins at 4 p.m. with Jesse Daniel, followed by Kylie Frey at 5 p.m., Cody Canada and the Departed at 6 p.m. and concluding with a 7 p.m. concert featuring Robert Earl Keen.

The 9:30 p.m. fireworks display will directly follow the conclusion of the concert and is being sponsored by Mini Mart. The fireworks will be launched in the park but can be viewed from the entire downtown area, with patriotic music being played through 94.3 The Rev-FM.

In order to ensure everyone’s safety, Louise Hays Park will be closed to vehicular traffic all day on July 4, with the exception of legally marked handicapped vehicles. In addition, free covered parking will be available in the grassy area in front of Lehmann-Monroe Park at the intersection of La Casa Drive East and Park Lane East.

The River Trail will be closed from Francisco Lemos Street through Tranquility Island beginning at 6 p.m. on July 4, but the public may continue to enjoy the use of the island until this time.

Individuals are reminded that fireworks are not allowed within the city limits of Kerrville without a permit from the Fire Marshal’s office. Glass containers, outside alcoholic beverages and pop-up canopies are prohibited in the concert area and smoking (including vaping and e-cigarettes) is prohibited in city parks.

As for traffic control on July 4, one lane on the Sidney Baker/Highway 16 bridge will remain closed for emergency personnel, and Thompson Drive/Spur 98 and Water Street near City Hall will be closed from 5-10 p.m. on July 4. All exiting traffic following the fireworks display will be required to turn south onto Sidney Baker Street.

Kerrville residents are asked to remember that all city offices, the Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library and the city secretary’s office will be closed Monday, July 5 and will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, July 6. All city parks and facilities, including the Olympic Pool, Carver Park Sprayground and the Parks and Recreation Office will remain open on Independence Day and Monday.

The Comfort Parade will kick off Saturday at 10 a.m. near Lindner Avenue and High Street and everyone is encouraged to wear red, white and blue As in years past, all children in attendance will be given small American flags.

Over in Gillespie County, event organizers are extremely excited to host this year’s 4th of July parade after almost a year and a half; Fredericksburg’s last parade was Christmas 2019. The 2021 4th of July Parade begins at 1 p.m. on Main Street.

Anyone interested in participating in the parade can do so by completing and returning an application no later than Friday, July 2. Applications can be found at the Fredericksburg Visitor Information Center, 302 East Austin Street, or by visiting fbgtxparade.org.

The City of Fredericksburg will be conducting a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. at the Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park and residents are encouraged to view the show by parking at the Gillespie County Fair Grounds.

As always, everyone is encouraged to stay safe throughout the three-day weekend and continue practicing recommended COVID-19 protocols.