Belton Chamber of Commerce Media Luncheon Announces 2016 4th of July Schedule of Events

The Belton Chamber of Commerce held their Media Luncheon on June 16 at Schoepf's BBQ to announce the 2016 schedule of events for Belton's annual 4th of July celebration.

The City of Belton continues its long standing tradition with the annual 4th of July Parade and Rodeo celebrating the event's 92nd year. Although the celebration has seen many changes over the years, the main focused stays the same; to celebrate our wonderful country. The five-day event begins on Thursday, June 30 and concludes Monday, July 4.

According to the Belton Chamber of Commerce the annual Kick-Off Barbecue will be Thursday, June 30 at Yettie Polk Park in Belton. Barbecue sandwiches and sausage wraps by Schoepf's BBQ will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Live entertainment includes a high-noon shootout performed by the Coryell Cowboys and music provided by Holly Tucker. The Coryell Cowboys perform Old West style shootouts in an authentic replica of a western town and attire. Each show is different with the atmosphere being changed by the personality and costume variations. Each show begins with a demonstration on gun safety. Lunch tickets are $5.00 for each adult and $3.00 each for children 12 and under. Meals include your choice of a barbecue sandwich or sausage wrap, chips, and soft drink.

The PRCA Rodeo begins July 1 with Military Appreciation Night. Active Military are free with identification for general admission seats and Military Families receive $5.00 off per ticket for general admission seats. July 3 is Family Celebration Night. Nightly rodeo events include Mutton Bustin', All American Cowgirl Chicks, and Western Gift Show starting at 5:30 p.m. The rodeo begins nightly at 7 p.m. Tickets for the rodeo are $21.00 for adult reserved seats and $18.00 for general admission seats. Children tickets are $18 for reserved seats and $15.00 for general admission seats.

Of course no celebration is complete without a carnival. Located at Confederate Park, the carnival opens June 29 at 6 p.m. Unlimited rides for a special price is being offered June 30 to July 1 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. July 2 thru July 3 the carnival opens at noon and July 4 at 10 a.m.

Since 1850, Belton's 4th of July Parade has been a cherished tradition. Families from surrounding areas of Bell County gather to celebrate the day with the colors of red, white, and blue. Sponsored by Coufal-Prater Equipment Co., the parade will feature floats, bands, marching units, decorated vehicles, antique cars and much more displaying the parade's theme of Traveling the USA. At 10 a.m., a hundred and nineteen entries will begin their quest on Main Street and 10th Avenue, traveling south on Main Street to Central Avenue, turning east on Central Avenue, making a left on Birdwell St. to end on 2nd Avenue.

Along with the parade, the Festival on Nolan Creek offers a family-friendly event to include Arts and Crafts, Bumper Boats, waterslides, and food vendors.

“This is one of the best days of my year,” said Festival Coordinator Judy Garrett.

The festival begins at 11 a.m. and concludes at 4 p.m.

Additional 4th of July events include God & Country Concert at 3 p.m. on June 26, Marching 100 Alumni Band Patriotic Concert at 8 a.m. on July 4, and the Patriotic Program at 9 a.m. on July 4.

“Our stations have been part of this celebration for a long time and we are excited to be involved yet again with our live coverage and sponsorships. This parade is an event at the heart of the community and that's exactly where we want to be,” said Operations Manager for Townsquare Media Darren Gauthier.

For a complete list of sponsors please contact the Belton Chamber of Commerce at 254-939-3551.