There are quite a number of Independence Day festivities in the Tyler, East Texas area this year. Of course there will be the traditional fireworks display at Lindsey Field. In fact from what I read, quite a big crowd is anticipated this year. Throughout the day, there will be an assortment of activities and local charities and organizations will be sponsoring events. The cost is ten dollars per car load.

Living Alternatives in Lindale will also be holding its annual fireworks display again this year. This is a great day that’s really much more than just a fireworks show. There are all sorts of events and activities for the kids, including swimming, bounce houses, music and a variety of food vendors on hand. There is also a fishing tournament throughout the day. This is definitely one of my preferred Fourth of July events. Admission is free however a fifteen dollar donation is suggested. For more info see the following page: http://la4th.com/ .

For those looking for activities throughout the holiday weekend there are a couple of very cool educational things I thought I’d plug. The Historic Aviation Memorial Museum (HAMM) will be holding a static air show display on Saturday, the second of July, the day before the Thunder over Cedar Creek Air Show. The museum holds this event every year as the pilots fly in to perform the following day. HAMM has made arraignments for their historic aircraft to be on display to the public. There is a moderate fee to get up close and personal with the aircraft, (I believe it was five dollars last year), but viewing from the fence line is obviously free. To see my review of last year’s static air show, click on the following link: http://www.tylertxdirectory.com/3027/celebrating-the-4th-in-tyler-tx/ .

For Tylerites interested in going to an actual air show this year the “Wings Over Tyler Air Show,” will be on Sunday the third. Also at the HAMM terminal (the old Pounds field location for native East Texans), this event seems like kind of a long time coming for our area. It will feature a variety of performances and aircraft, and promises to bring out a lot of visitors. The entrance fee is twenty five dollars a car load, or five dollars per person. For more info on this event visit the following web sites: http://www.tylertxdirectory.com/9031/live-from-the-field-2/ ,http://www.wingsovertylerairshow.com/ .There are certainly other great celebrations in our area this year and a quick Google search will yield more results. But these are some of my personal favorites, and the ones in which I choose to participate. Happy Independence Day East Texas! And don’t forget to enjoy the grill this weekend!