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Rowlett: Independence Day celebration, TEA Party take place next week
By Rachel Dickson, Contributing Writer
This Fourth of July, Rowlett will be eschewing the large festival of the past in favor of a one night only hometown celebration on Main Street.
In the past, the city held the “Festival of Freedom” on the last weekend of June each year at Pecan Grove Park. The event drew almost 25,000 people over a two day period and included performers such as the Jonas Brothers, American Idol finalist Josh Gracin, the Village People and others. The event also featured hundreds of vendors, a children's arena and two nights of fireworks that could be seen for miles around.
This year, however, the city's Independence Day celebration will take place on downtown Main Street from 6 to 10 p.m. on July 3 as part of the Downtown Special Events Series. Thirteen-year-old pop-rock singer Jaci Butler and hometown musician Mat Morris will perform, as well as Addison-based cover band Jonnie Blanco. Food vendors and children's activities will also be available. A 15 minute fireworks show will close the night.
“The right of way for the turnpike took out our parking at Kirby and Main,” Huerta said. “It would also be almost impossible to get 25,000 people to the site at one time because of traffic and construction delays.”
This change in the Independence Day celebration comes as nearby cities including Carrollton and Garland have canceled their events because of the faltering economy.
Huerta said the poor economy is not to blame for the downsizing of this year’s event. She also added that past Independence Day celebrations and fireworks are incomparable.
“This year's event is totally paid for out of hotel/motel taxes and all four of the series are under $50,000,” Huerta said. “The taxpayers aren't paying.”
Though the city will not have the economic benefit of past celebrations that brought outsiders to the city, organizers hope the toned-down event will help downtown businesses.
Free parking will be available as well as shuttles from the Rowlett High School parking lot and the DART Park and Ride facility at 5000 Martin Drive.
The Rowlett Texas TEA Party will be holding a rally downtown at the same time.
“We are holding the rally so we can begin to come together as a group of citizens and hold our elected officials accountable,” said Mike Gallops, president of the Rowlett Texas TEA Party. “We are tired of ever expanding government. We’re tired of bailouts. We’re tired of exponentially increasing taxes and government out of control. We’re fed up with it.”
Gallops expects at least 400 people to show up for the rally, which will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. July 3 at 3809 Main St., a few blocks away from the city’s celebration. An April 15 rally brought out 200 people.
“We’re hoping that our folks will stick around for the city’s event and the city’s folks will come down to our event,” Gallops said. “We feel like we’re going to reach a greater number of people that way.”
The following are comments from the readers.
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
deby wrote on Jun 30, 2009 3:13 PM:
" I think it is terrible to make people think they are just going to a 4th of July fesitval when you clearly are making a polical statement that would make people take sides at a time when we should all be coming together as one. I for one will not attend and it will be the first time in 15 years! "
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