San Antonio families are invited to celebrate our freedom, commemorate Old Glory, and pay tribute to our heroic troops on Wednesday, July 4 with a fun-filled day featuring games, food and musical entertainment and a beautiful display of fireworks over Woodlawn Lake Park during the City’s official July Fourth Celebration. This FREE event is sponsored by the San Antonio Parks Foundation, in cooperation with the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department. 

The H-E-B Fireworks Extravaganza has become not only the highlight of the event, but a tradition for many families who make a day of participating in the festival.  “H-E-B is proud to continue our tradition with the Parks Foundation to provide a safe family friendly July 4th celebration,” said Dya Campos, Director of Public Relations for H-E-B.  The fireworks display will be shot over beautiful Woodlawn Lake at 9:00 pm. 

The San Antonio Parks Foundation, along with the Monticello Park Neighborhood Association,  invite children of all ages to express their creativity by dressing up in their finest patriotic costumes and participate in the popular Salute to the Red, White and Blue Parade, generously underwritten by the Tobin Endowment, that kicks off about 11:00 a.m.   Families who want to participate in the parade are asked to gather at the Woodlawn Lake Gym at the intersection of Cincinnati and Alexander at 10 a.m.  Parade participants will be judged for best costume, most patriotic, best bike and best group.  Everyone is invited to join in and winners will be announced on the main stage immediately following the parade.

“The patriotic spirit of America is alive and well in the city of San Antonio.  For the past eight years this community has celebrated our nation’s independence in a big way at Woodlawn Lake Park – in the heart of District 7,” said District 7 City Councilman Justin Rodriguez.  “The festivities culminate in a spectacular fireworks show commencing at 9:00 p.m.  We look forward to another successful event this year and invite residents from all over the city to join us for this family-friendly celebration.”
Opening ceremonies featuring city dignitaries and event sponsors will begin at noon on stage at the west end of the park.  During the daytime, the best of San Antonio’s local talent will be featured thanks to Jammin 94.1.  At 5:30 p.m. the electric sounding 5 Star Band will entertain the crowd with Old School Hits.  And back by popular demand, the energetic and patriotic U.S. Air Force Band of the West will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. followed by the H-E-B Fireworks Extravaganza at 9:00 p.m.    

Children are sure to have a ball in the Kid’s Zone, sponsored by Rio San Antonio Cruises, which will feature carnival rides, games, and other interactive activities.  Contemporary Art Month organizer and local artist Robert Tatum will be on hand to lead children in a coloring contest from 4-6 pm in the Kid’s Zone.  Several vendors will offer food and beverages for sale throughout the day.

The free celebration is co-sponsored by the San Antonio Parks Foundation and the City of San Antonio, and activities and entertainment are continuous throughout the day.  “Citizens young and old, new and native, join together to celebrate America’s birthday on a grand scale and what better way to celebrate than with a day of free family fun at Woodlawn Lake Park,” said Parks Foundation’s Teresa Keck, Vice President, Special Events. 

Corporate sponsors are H-E-B,Rio San Antonio Cruises, The Tobin Endowment, AT&T, KENS-TV, BMP Radio Stations Jammin 94.1, Jack FM, La Ley 95.7, Norteno 720, 550 KTSA and Digital 104.1; San Antonio Express News, and Contemporary Art Month.

For more information on the July Fourth Celebration call the Parks Foundation at (210) 212-8423.