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Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

Day-long events set for 4th of July festivities; road closures in effect Col. Frank Plummer, highly decorated Army veteran, to serve as Main Street Parade Grand Marshal

(McAllen, Texas)-The 4th of July is right around the corner and as the City of McAllen puts the final touches on the series of activities slated for this year’s 95th Annual Independence Day Celebration, presented by H-E-B, organizers are sharing the schedule of events, as well as reminders for start times, road closures and parking availability to ensure everyone arrives on time and safely to enjoy the 4th of July.

The day will kick off with an Independence Day 4K Run starting at 7:00 a.m. The City of McAllen Parks & Recreation Department has partnered with Team Red, White and Blue, a national veterans’ organization whose mission it is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.

Immediately following the run, the Patriotic Program at Archer Park, 101 N Main St., will begin at 8:00 a.m. The program will feature patriotic musical presentations and various dignitaries and guest speakers.

The Main Street Parade steps off at 9:00 a.m. from Houston Avenue at McAllen City Hall, heading north along Main Street to Beech Avenue. Free seating is located all along the parade route, on a first come, first serve basis. Coolers, lawn chairs and pets on a leash are all welcome. Attendees are asked to be mindful of road closures near the parade route and find parking at appropriate designated parking locations. All attendees in this year’s parade should arrive no later than 7:30 a.m. to get in place for the event. This year’s Main Street Parade Grand Marshal is Colonel Frank Plummer, a highly-decorated Army veteran of World War II, Korean and Vietnam War.

The Freedom Festival follows the parade at Archer Park, starting at 10:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. The free, family-friendly festival will feature food trucks, kiddie rides, contests, vendors, and lots of fun activities and community performances.

For those wanting to celebrate with a splash this 4th of July, head over to Acquatica happening from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at McAllen Municipal Park Pool, 1921 N. Bicentennial Blvd. Entrance is only $2.50 a person.

Finally, starting at 6:00 and running through 10:00 p.m., get ready to close out the night with Concert in the Sky at Municipal Park, a free patriotic celebration that will include music from Rustic Rose and Southern Ashes, food trucks, games, activities, entertainment and the conclude with the brightest fireworks show in the Rio Grande Valley, bursting at 9:00 p.m. Parking for the celebration will be available for $5 at the McAllen High School parking lot, 2202 La Vista Avenue, benefitting the McHi Softball Booster Club.

Revelers should be mindful of road closures for the various events, especially for the evening activities. Starting at 6:00 p.m. Pecan Blvd. at Bicentennial Blvd. and 23rd St. will be closed to north bound traffic. Attendees should make their way early to Municipal Park, from Nolana Ave, heading southbound only on either Bicentennial Blvd. or 23rd St. For those who park at McHi for the Concert in the Sky celebration, note that the parking lot entrance and exit will not be available from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Enjoy the fireworks extravaganza with patriotic music by tuning in to KURV-710 AM during the display.

H-E-B is proud to once again be this year’s presenting sponsor for the McAllen Independence Day Celebration. Other proud sponsors include Texas Regional Bank, Whataburger, McAllen International Airport, Chick-fil-A at 27th St. & Nolana Ave. and Reliant.

For elderly or anyone who is unable to attend any of the festivities, watch the Patriotic Program, the Main Street Parade and the Concert in the Sky Fireworks Extravaganza live on MCN 1300 on Spectrum Cable in McAllen and all of its streaming platforms, including the City of McAllen website at www.mcallen.net; the

3-1-1 mobile app; or on the City of McAllen YouTube channel.

“We encourage everyone to join us and help us celebrate America’s 246th birthday together as a community, enjoying all of the day’s festivities,” said Denny Meline, McAllen Parks & Recreation Department Director.

For more information about or for questions, please call: (956) 681-3333. Additionally, follow @McAllenParks on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest updates.