Belton preparing for annual 4th of July Parade

Sunday, 08 July 2012 by Keith Bahlmann

Belton youngsters ride a float during last year’s annual 4th of July Parade along Main Street and Central Avenue. This year’s parade will start with the Patriotic Program at 9 a.m. with the parade following at 10 a.m.The City of Belton officials and residents are busy preparing for the 88th Annual 4th of July Parade and PRCA Rodeo next week.

The annual week-long celebration to honor the nation's birth will kick off this year on Sunday with the "God and Country" concert presented by First Baptist Church of Belton at 3 p.m. at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Mayborn Campus Center.

The festivities continue on Monday as H-E-B and Schoepf's BBQ present the annual "Kick-off BBQ" from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Yettie Polk Park. The BBQ will feature live music and a high-noon shootout. Plates are $5 for adults and $3 for children.

The most anticipated portion of the celebration, the Patriotic Program and Parade, will begin at 9 a.m. on Wednesday as keynote speaker Lt. Gen. Donald M. Campbell Jr. will speak during the Patriotic Program at the Old Bell County Courthouse. The Parade, which will run from 10th and Main to Central and Birdwell, will begin at 10 a.m.

Two parade goers pose for a picture during last year’s annual 4th of July parade.The "Festival on Nolan Creek" will also take place on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Yettie Polk Park. The festival will feature arts and crafts, kid's games, good and the annual Old Time Fiddler's Contest.

The annual PRCA rodeo will kickoff the weekend activities at 7 p.m. on July 5 at the Bell County Expo Center with Military Appreciation Night. July 6 is Family Celebration Night and the finale will be on July 7. All rodeo events begin at 7 p.m. and will feature the All-American Cowgirl Chicks, Mutton Bustin', Western Gift Show and a mechanical bull.

Tickets for the rodeo are $14 for adults ($17 reserved), $11 for children ages 3 to 12 ($14 reserved), $7 for a military spouse and $4 for a military child. Active Military get in free with ID.

Tickets are available at the Bell County Expo Center, ITR on Fort Hood, H-E-B (Temple 31st Street), Texas Box Office Outlets (charge by phone at 512-477-6060) and www.beltonchamber.com.

Members of the U.S. Army began last year’s parade by flying the United States and Texas state flags.

On July 6, Schoepf's will host its fourth annual Rodeo Round Up Concert featuring Rick Trevino. The show will begin at 8 p.m. with Trevino scheduled to perform at 10 p.m.

Belton's Independence Day celebration will also include a carnival with games and rides for all ages starting July 3 in Confederate Park. The carnival will be open from 6 p.m. to midnight on July 3, from 11 a.m. to midnight on July 4, from 5 p.m. to midnight on July 5-6 and from 4 p.m. to midnight on July 7.

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