Wednesday, Jul. 01, 2009

Fireworks Ablaze for Independence Celebrations

By Christianne Young

Staff Writer

Fireworks displays, celebration music and holiday fun will be close to home this Independence Day weekend.

Celebrate freedom with fireworks and festivities launched in Southlake Town Square and Grapevine over a two-day period.

Get in the Independence Day spirit with Southlake’s Stars and Stripes event. A fireworks show is set to begin at 9:30 p.m., July 3. Watch the fun from Rustin Park, 1400 E. Southlake Blvd., and Frank Cornish Park, 399 Grand Ave. From these parks, spectators will also hear music synchronized to the show.

The Southlake fireworks show will be launched from the west garage rooftop in Southlake Town Square.

Start the fun before the show at either park at 5 p.m. for free activities and live entertainment.

Bring the kids for a bubble station, face painting, balloon art, crafts and more.

At Rustin Park, hear the music of Southlake Swing Band from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Domino Effect from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Southlake Community Band from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Also at Frank Cornish Park hear the Kyle Hunt Band from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and King Creole from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., which is an ARTWORKS Masterworks presentation.

The Southlake Parks and Recreation Department expects up to 3,000 people this year, and will have water and a food concession area, which is new this year.

The city recommends that you come early and bring a few items with you, including tarps, chairs, blankets and sunscreen. Alcohol and glass containers aren’t allowed, but pets are allowed as long as they remain on a leash.

Parking will not be a problem, as shuttles will run from 4 to 11 p.m. from White’s Chapel United Methodist Church to Town Square.

The rainout date for the fireworks show is 9:30 p.m., July 9.

For details, see www.cityofsouthlake.com or call 817-748-8203.

Then, the next evening, gather at in Grapevine for the 26th Annual Fireworks Extravaganza at 9:30 p.m. July 4 at Grapevine Lake.

Fireworks will be launched from the lake shore at Oak Grove Park. The show can be seen from any lakeside park as well as nearby parking lots at Gaylord, Great Wolf Lodge or Grapevine Mills. Or the more adventurous can see the show from a boat. Music for the fireworks will be simulcast on KLUV 98.7 FM.

Because July 4 falls on a Saturday, Grapevine city officials believe the lake will be a more popular spot that usual. Lots of people show up in the parks, some for picnics and many with lawn chairs and blankets. The fireworks show, which is highlighted by colorful reflections, usually lasts about 20 minutes.

For details, see www.grapevinetexasusa.com or call 817-410-3185.

For more Fourth of July fun, ride the Independence Day train on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. All aboard get a free miniature American flag. The train goes to the Fort Worth Stockyards on its regular schedule. For details, go to www.gvrr.com.

In addition, if you are looking for a unique Independence Day experience, you can follow the Red, Whites and You Grapevine Wine Trail from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., July 4 and 5. Tickets are $45 to $50 for those age 21 and over. Each ticket entitles participants to a crystal souvenir wine glass, a select bottle of wine and three wine tastings and a food sample at each winery.

For details, go to www.suvinowinery.com or call Su Vino Winery at 817-424-0123.

The city of Colleyville, which has a citywide picnic early each June, does not have an annual fireworks display.

Madison Manning contributed to this story.