By Audra Stamp
Well it’s the first weekend in July and we all know what that means, it’s time to get out the flags and wear that red, white and blue for the Fourth of July Weekend. This edition of the Blitz Weekender features some great Fourth of July celebrations along with other way to continue the party throughout the entire weekend.
Wednesday July 3
Kaboom Town: Many come out each year for this event, people pour in for an early celebration of the nation’s birthday. Addison kicks off the Fourth of July weekend with their excellent Kaboom Town party in Addison Circle Park. There is always live music and tasty food for everyone and wonderful historic warplanes will drop in to say hello. And finally, what they are known for, you can’t miss their spectacular 30 minute firework show that has been rated among some of the best shows in the country. So get your party on early and let’s celebrate. www.addisontexas.net
Thursday July 4
Freedom Fest: Many places in the North Texas region are celebrating the Fourth, and Frisco is one of them. The Freedom Fest will kick off at 5 p.m. at Simpson Plaza with plenty of kid’s games, local performers and Freedom Fest’s Taste of Frisco. Also nearby, FC Dallas will take the field against Chivas USA and following the game there will be a color display of fireworks that will light up the sky. Get the whole family out to wish the USA a happy birthday. www.visitfrisco.com
Fair Park Fourth: For those close to Dallas, a lovely night of listening to the three-time Grammy nominated Dallas Wind Symphony and a fabulous 16-minute fireworks show is in store. Other entertainment will include dancing water shows, performances by Quiver and Havana NRG, swan boats and many activities for the kids. This fun filled night of bright lights and pretty sounds is all free and open to all ages. It will be pretty crowded, so come early and enjoy everything Dallas has to offer. www.fairpark.org
Kiwanis Fireworks Show: This will be the first time the firework show and music will be moved to the new University of North Texas’ Apogee Stadium. The gates will open at 5:30 p.m. and for those little ones full of energy they can bounce around in the bounce houses provided. Music by The Dirty Pesos and George Dunham and The Bird Dogs will begin at 6:30 p.m. Following the acts will be the grand fireworks show, lighting up the sky for miles and you’ll have the best seat in the house on the bleachers of the new multi-millions dollar stadium. www.dentonkiwanisclub.org
Willie’s Picnic: Not only are we celebrating the country’s independence, but we’re celebrating Willie Nelson’s 40th annual 4th of July Picnic. The cheap $35 ticket will get you in to see a long list of famous singers and bands. From the Randy Rogers band, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Gary Allan and finishing the night off with the very own Willie Nelson. With three different stages hosting performances, there will be plenty to see and hear, the hardest part will be deciding where to go. No food or drinks are allowed in, but plenty of food trucks and drinks will be there for purchase. So for a hot, yet, fun day of great American music, get on down to Billy Bob’s Honky Tonk in Fort Worth. www.williespicnic.com
Friday July 5
Rangers vs. Astros: The first pitch will go out at 7:05 p.m. in the Ranger’s ballpark against the Houston Astros. This game will kick of the first of three of the home game series. The two teams haven’t met since back in May when the Rangers won all three games on Houston’s home field. Rookie Nick Tepesch is scheduled to be the first pitcher up for the Rangers. Center fielder Leonys Martin has given the Rangers a spark this season, so let’s hope he and the team can bring home another victory. And as if you didn’t see enough fireworks the night before, the post-game firework show will take place, so just sit back and enjoy. www.texas.rangers.mlb.com
First Fridays: It sure was different back in the 19th century, big dresses, no television, and a lot of growing your own food. Well you have the opportunity to experience that early life at the Nash Farmhands in Grapevine. This is a great history lesson for the kids or a fun way to relive your great grand parent’s lifestyle. This month’s theme is keeping cool, so come ready to learn and have a fun experience living in the past. www.grapevinetexasusa.com
Saturday July 6
Beyonce: Coming to the American Airlines Center this Saturday will be the Mrs. Carter World Tour starring Beyonce. She is many things, a recording artists, an actress, a business woman, and to many an inspirational woman in pop culture. She has managed to earn 16 Grammy Awards along with plenty of other awards and titles. Her shows are known for being energetic and fun, and she is always an upbeat entertainer with plenty of costumes and moves to impress everyone. She has rhythm, she has dance moves and we know she’s got the pipes to hit all the notes, and this is a great opportunity to see the lovely and talented Beyonce in concert. www.americanairlinescenter.com
Erik Griffin: He’s hilarious, he’s made T.V. appearances and he always has you laughing. Erik Griffin will be in town at Addison Improv for a funny stand up performances. In 2003 Griffin decided he would try comedy and make it his career, and he sure has. Along with being a stand up comedian, he will soon be seen in the Comedy Central series, The Workaholics. His diverse background allows him to make interesting observations for his fun comedic routine about live, love and self-evaluation. You won’t want to miss this night of laughter and excitement.
Sunday July 7
Basically Beethoven Festival: While the last 32 years the Basically Beethoven Festival has been held in Fair Park, this year it will have a new landscape. Moving to the Dallas City Performance Hall in the Dallas Arts District, the festival will still provide free concerts for all. At 2:30 p.m. the Rising Star Recital will being with tenor Nicholas Garza. Following that performance will be the Feature Performance by Imperial Brass at 3 p.m. This will kick of all the free concerts every Sunday in July, so for all those Beethoven fanatics, it’s time to celebrate the new age and performers of classical music. www.fineartschamberplayers.org
Plano Bridal Expo: Summer is well underway and so is the summer wedding season. Many women are getting ready to tie the knot while others have just recently accepted that gorgeous engagement ring. And now it’s time to shop, and the FREE Plano Bridal Expo is the best place to do it. Brides can bring as many friends as they would like and can wonder through many venders helping them to decide on cake choices, locations, samples dresses and so much more. There couldn’t be a better place for a bride and her friends to spend their time talking one-on-one with professionals who want to perfect their big day. www.txbridalshows.com
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