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‘Hometown Heroes’ the theme of this years July 4th parade
Thursday, 28 June 2012 by Keith Bahlmann
The Belton Area Chamber of Commerce will host its 88th Annual 4th of July Celebration and PRCA Rodeo, from July 2 through July 7. The week-long celebration is ranked among the top places to celebrate in Central Texas.
"The rich tradition of our week long celebration is an exciting time for the people of Belton and Central Texas," said Stephanie O'Banion President and CEO of the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce. "The Chamber is proud to help everyone celebrate our American freedom."
Festivities begin July 2, with the annual Kick-Off BBQ at Yettie Polk Park from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The pinnacle of the celebration is the 4th of July Parade, which made its first appearance in 1850. This year's theme "Hometown Heroes," will provide a sense of pride for those who serve our community in many capacities. More than 30,000 people will flood the streets of Belton to watch one of the most historic parades in Texas. The parade starts at 10 a.m. and will include a variety of floats, vehicles, marching bands and local celebrities. Applications are available online at the chamber.
Other activities planned for the 4th include the Festival on Nolan Creek, which begins at 11 a.m. in Yettie Polk Park. This event brings in various vendors ranging from local BBQ and snow cones to inflatable bounce houses.
The chamber invites the community to put on their boots and cowboy hats and head down to the Bell County Expo center July 5-7 for the PRCA Rodeo. Nightly events start at 7 p.m. and will feature Lancaster and Pickett Pro Rodeo Company, All-American Cowgirl Chicks; some of the best trick riders in the industry. The Belton July 4th rodeo has been an Independence Day tradition since 1924.
Thursday, July 5, is Military Appreciation Night and all active military members will get in to the Rodeo FREE, with military I.D.
Children eight and under are invited to enter the Stick horse Grand Entry and Competition to compete for the title of Stick horse Cowgirl and Cowboy. Children entered will parade their stick horses around the rodeo arena at Family Celebration night, July 6, and prizes for the ten best decorated stick horses will be awarded and the crowning of the Stick horse Cowgirl and Cowboy.
The fan favorite mutton bustin' competition, featuring children ages 4-7, takes place every night of the rodeo.
The Western Gift Show begins at 5:30 p.m. each night of the rodeo and features a variety of items including leather products, cowboy gifts, western clothing, jewelry and Belton 4th of July Rodeo souvenirs. Also coinciding with the rodeo is the Carnival at Confederate Park.
This Belton Chamber event has been a favorite year after year. The Chamber invites everyone to be a part of one of the most historical 4th of July events in Texas. For more details including a schedule of events or setting up an interview with a chamber staff member contact Lindsay Landrum at (254) 939-3551 or visit the 4th of July website www.rodeobelton.com.
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