RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The Fourth of July celebration returns to Randolph this year with food and fun throughout the evening and a fireworks extravaganza to bring festivities to a rousing finale.
The event, which takes place July 4 at 5 p.m., marks the base's first Independence Day observance in two years. Randolph's marquee celebrations - the Air Show and Fourth of July event - are now held in alternating years.
This year's star-spangled spectacular kicks off on the south flight line with a host of children's activities.
"The entertainment for the children covers all ages," said Shelta Reese, 12th Services Division marketing director. "For the toddlers we have two 'little tykes' obstacle courses to challenge them along with a jumper castle. The young children will also get a chance to complete a flight school with small push planes and will be awarded a certificate upon completion."
She said a water tag maze appeals to all ages and a space shuttle obstacle course dares the older youth.
"There will also be some great crafts for the children such as making their own patriotic visors and balsa wood planes," Ms. Reese said.
Another attraction for children is a petting zoo with pony rides, which opens at 5:30 p.m.
"For those who have even more energy to burn, the fitness center will have a free-throw contest, a softball throw contest, football toss and family circuit challenge," said Terrye Heagerty, 12th Services director.
About 20 food booths will be open all evening, offering choices from hamburgers and hot dogs to turkey legs and roasted corn, from watermelon and snow cones to cotton candy and funnel cakes.
A full evening of musical entertainment begins at 5:30 p.m. with the Scott Wiggins Band and their blend of Texas country, Americana, rock and honky-tonk. Zack Walther and the Cronkites will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. and perform their songs, a mix of Americana and rock.
The fireworks display will heat up the sky starting at 9:35 p.m.
Visitors will enter the base through the south and west gates and are reminded not to bring coolers, picnic baskets, backpacks, weapons, bicycles, skateboards, personal fireworks or pets. All vehicles will be subject to inspection by Security Forces.
All Department of Defense personnel should enter through the main gate.
Randolph isn't the only Air Force base in the community celebrating the Fourth:
Lackland's 30th annual Star Spangled Festival will begin at 2 p.m. in the base amphitheater. The event will feature a classic car show, a motorcycle show, arts and crafts, food and novelty booths and children's activities. A fireworks display will start at 9:25 p.m.
Nearby communities also have big plans for Independence Day:
Schertz's 33rd annual Jubilee is a four-day extravaganza that begins Wednesday and concludes July 5. The event, which features a carnival each night, officially starts at 6 p.m. Thursday with karaoke entertainment and a performance by Mick Hernandez and the Texas Silverados at 8 p.m.
Independence Day activities include a parade that begins at Elbel Road and Schertz Parkway at 9:30 a.m., the opening ceremony at 11 a.m. at Pickrell Park, a performance by the community band at 1:30 p.m. and more musical entertainment at 3 p.m. by Crosspoint, at 4:30 p.m. by Gettin' By and at 8 p.m. by Cactus Country. Dimensions in Blue, the Air Force Band of the West jazz ensemble, will perform at 7 p.m. July 5, followed by Back Forty at 8 p.m.
A parade featuring classic and special-interest cars, trucks and motorcycles will highlight Garden Ridge's annual Fourth of July celebration in the city park. A flag-raising is planned for 10 a.m., followed by the parade at 10:30 a.m. and food and daylong activities starting at 10:45 a.m.
The city of San Antonio's official July 4 celebration kicks off with a parade at 10 a.m. at Woodlawn Lake, 1103 Cincinnati Ave. The event also features musical entertainment, food and beverage booths and fireworks at 10:05 p.m.