Arlington to Host Largest Independence Day Parade in Texas
Parade Starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 3, in Downtown Arlington
Contact Cheryel Carpenter at
817-459-6404
June 30, 2004
Arlington is the location of the state’s largest
Independence Day Parade. The 39th Annual Arlington Independence
Day Parade begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 3, in downtown Arlington. The
theme is "Of Thee I Sing." Thousands of spectators are expected to
line the streets of downtown Arlington to see more than 50 patriotic floats
and 150 parade participants.
From marching bands, drill teams, horseback riders,
fiddlers, floats and clowns, this year’s parade celebrates everything that
is America, organizers say.
With 38 parades under its belt, the Arlington Fourth of
July Association has the event running like a well oiled machine. The parade
goes off seemingly well without a hitch. And, just once since 1966, has the
parade been delayed because of rain. In the event of rain, the start time
will be delayed one hour.
"We appreciate the hard work of all our volunteers
and sponsors who are helping to make the Arlington Independence Day Parade
the biggest and best in Texas," said Brett Bell, president of the
Arlington Fourth of July Parade Association.
For more information about the parade, see the attached
map and fact sheet or visit the Arlington 4th of July Parade Association
website at www.arlington4th.com.
Click here for Parade Map.
The 39th Annual Arlington Independence Day
Parade
A General Information Fact Sheet
- The Arlington 39th Annual Independence Day Parade begins at 9 a.m.
Saturday, July 3 in downtown. The theme is "Of Thee I Sing."
In case of rain, the start time will be delayed one hour.
- The two-mile parade route begins at the intersection of Mitchell and
Pecan streets, proceeds north on Pecan Street, west on Border Street,
north on West Street, east on Abram Street, south on Center Street, west
on Mitchell Street and ends at the point of origin at the Mitchell and
Pecan Street intersection.
- The Arlington parade is the largest in the state. The annual event
attracts an estimated 45,000 spectators. Prior to the start of the
parade, 15,000 United States flags will be distributed to children along
the route. Folding chairs are permitted. Spectators are encouraged to
arrive early, wear sunscreen and bring drinking water.
- More than 3,000 individuals are scheduled to participate in the
parade, which includes area high school bands and drill teams. There are
144 entries and about 50 floats.
- The parade is dedicated to "those who keep the music
coming," and honors Arlington’s longtime proponents of music and
retired AISD music directors, Jane Ellis and the late Dean Corey.
Representing Dean Corey as grand marshal will be his wife, Becky Corey.
- Please note Comcast Cable channel lineup changes, which become
effective on July 3. The parade will be televised live on Arlington
Cable Channel 16, beginning at 9 a.m. on July 3. The parade will be
rebroadcast at the following times:
- Saturday, July 3 at 7 p.m.
- Sunday, July 4 at noon and 7 p.m.
- Monday, July 5 at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- For more information about the parade, call Arlington 4th of July
Parade Association President Brett Bell at 817-784-8968 or visit their
website at
www.arlington4th.com.
For the first time in many years, there
will be no fireworks show at The Ameriquest Field in Arlington. The Texas
Rangers will play in Houston on July 3 and 4. Fireworks shows will occur
in Grand Prairie on July 3 and 4 at Lone Star Park beginning at 10:15 p.m.
and Joe Pool Lake on July 4 beginning at 9:45 p.m.
The Arlington Fire Department reminds
residents: Fireworks of any kind are prohibited in the city limits
of Arlington.
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