Table of Contents 6 Chamber Welcome 8 The Festivities 22 PRCA Rodeo 28 A look back 34 Lancaster Pro Rodeo 38 The history behind fireworks 39 Festive facts for the 4th 41 Rodeo Lingo 48 U.S. Flag Ettiquette 52 Finding Fireworks 53 July 4 History Publisher- David Tuma Managing Editor- Kierra Pixler Graphic Designer- Josh Rivera Senior Sales Rep- Mellonie Caffy Sales Rep- Lisa Caffy Writers- Tony Adams, Kierra Pixler, Haley Watson
Photo by Christopher Winston
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2018 Guide to Belton’s 4th of July Celebration
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!
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Chamber Welcome
he Belton Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its 94th Annual 4th of July Celebration and PRCA Rodeo June 30 through July 4 this year. This cherished, time-honored, and historic event is a nationally known celebration and is considered one of the top summer events in Central Texas. It was voted “Best place to be on the 4th of July!” by Texas Highways. Highlighting the annual celebration is the 4th of July Parade, which made its first appearance in 1850. This year’s theme, “Proud to be an American,” gives a wide look at America and allows Parade participants the opportunity to express their individual creativity and to show spectators what their slice of Americana is. More than 40,000 spectators will line the streets of Downtown Belton for the parade that starts at 10 a.m. There will
be a variety of floats, decorated vehicles and bicycles, antique cars, local celebrities, and marching bands. The
parade begins on Main Street, loops through Downtown, and comes to completion at Central & Birdwell.
Of course, there will be the PRCA Rodeo! The Belton July 4th Rodeo has been an Independence Day tradition since 1924. The Chamber invites the community to put on their boots and cowboy hats and head down to the Bell County Expo Center when the Rodeo hits, July 1 at 7 p.m. at the Bell County expo Center. The PRCA Rodeo action will continue until the third. The fan favorite, Mutton Bustin’, will take place as well as exciting rodeo events for families to enjoy. Other activities planned for the 94th Annual 4th of July Celebration includes the traditional Kick-Off BBQ at Yettie Polk Park, the Patriotic Program at the Bell County Courthouse, the Festival on Nolan Creek, the Carnival at Confederate Park, and the God and Country Concert. All in all, there will be, as always, Texas-sized fun to be had by everyone!
Belton Area Chamber of Commerce The BACC’s vision is to be the premier organization engaged with businesses impacting the community where we live and work. The Board of Directors is elected by the membership to determine the policies and activities of the chamber. Officers Chairman Matt Gunter Gunter Financial Partners
Belltec Industries Dirk Aaron Clearwater Underground Water Conservation District
Immediate Past Chairman Keith Leija Key Power Solutions
Sandra Russell Workforce Solutions of Central Texas
Treasurer Nelson Hutchinson Temple Technology Services Secretary Kayla Potts Woodhouse Day Spa - Nolan Creek
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Covington Real Estate Brent Burks University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Matt Wood
Lacey Steenson
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation
First Texas Bank
Ana Borchardt
Misty Nobles
Belton Economic Developement Corporation
Inhouse Systems Sarah Donohoe
Ex-Officio Members Luke Potts Kona Ice Tim Stephens Bell County Expo Center Sam Listi City of Beltonw
Farmers Insurance Group- Emily Kirkpatrick Agency
Directors David Jones
Terri Covington
Centraland Title Company Emily Kirkpatrick
David Leigh Shine Branch
Keith Smith PRCA Rodeo Coordinator Judy Garrett Director of Marketing &Tourism Alicia McCarroll Membership Director Michele Moore Communications & Visitor Services Coordinator
2018 Guide to Belton’s 4th of July Celebration
The Festivities
Staff Report
Belton might be small, but we celebrate Independence Day in a big way. Every year, Belton lays out the red, white and blue carpet as they play host to one of the best parades in the state of Texas. In addition to the parade, Belton also brings to town a rodeo, carnival and festival to provide days’ worth of entertainment and memories to cherish. The Belton Chamber of Commerce is quintessential in sustaining this tradition alive that is dear to many hearts in Central Texas. Every year, Belton has a community barbecue lunch on the grounds of Yettie Polk Park. Belton’s Fourth of July Celebration and PRCA Rodeo “Kick-off BBQ” is hosted by the Belton Chamber of Commerce and is a chance to enjoy great food and fun for the whole family. The community joins together this year for lunch on June 29 from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Yettie Polk Park. Sit down and enjoy your meal with the your family and the community or take it to-go.
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com/events/rodeo and see page 22 for more details on what rodeo is really all about. Grab your chairs and some water bottles and make your way downtown for Belton’s Fourth of July Celebration Parade. On July 4, this long time Belton tradition starts at 10 a.m. on Main Street at Tenth Avenue, travels south on Main Street to Central Avenue, turns east on Central Avenue, turns left on Birdwell Street and ends on Fourth Avenue
around noon. The first parade was held in the mid 1800s and has been an annual event in Belton since 1919. In 2008, USA Today named the Belton Fourth of July Parade as one the nation’s “Top Ten Places to Fly Your Flag on the 4th.” This year the parade is expected to draw about 50,000 spectators. After the parade, walk on down to Yettie Polk Park, and, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Belton will be having its annual Festival on Nolan
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Creek. The festival will have an array of vendors, food and entertainment for all ages to enjoy. The festival is free of charge and open to the public. From June 30-July 4, Belton will bring into town a festival complete with rides and friendly games located on the grounds of Confederate Park. Tickets will be available for purchase to ride the attractions. Photos by Christopher Winston.
Price for barbeque lunches is $5 for adults $3 for kids. PRCA Rodeo is a highlight of Belton’s Independence Day celebrations, including bareback riding, calf roping, bull riding, barrel racing and mutton busting there is sure to be an event to entertain all. Three nights of rodeo entertainment to include the popular Military Appreciation night held every year to honor the troops and their families. Rodeo events this year will be held nightly at the Bell County Expo Center July 1-3. Visit the website for a complete schedule of events: www.rodeobelton.
For more information on the festivities, contact the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce: 412 East Central Avenue Belton, Texas 76513 Phone: (254) 939-3551 Fax: (254) 939-1061 www.beltonchamber.com www.rodeobelton.com
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2018 Guide to Belton’s 4th of July Celebration
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Proud to be an American Special to the Journal
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he City of Belton’s 4th of July Parade is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year in Bell County. People from all over Central Texas flock to Belton’s Main Street to cheer on the patriotic floats and enjoy the bandstand music. This year, the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce
chose the theme “Proud to be an American” for all the competing floats to strive to exemplify. Michelle Moore, Event Coordinator for The Belton Area Chamber of Commerce says she looks forward to the event each year. “I’m always excited for the parade,” Moore said. “It’s been a lot of hard work putting it all together, but it’s always worth it when
we get to see everyone so happy. Seeing our community come together to pull off such an awesome event each year is just amazing.” Historically, 20,000 to 30,000 spectators line the streets to watch the parade each year. Some eager guests even show up days early and camp out in order to reserve their spots along the street. Traveling around from ven-
2018 Guide to Belton’s 4th of July Celebration
dor to vendor, people are set up with red, white and blue everywhere. Children play, dogs are welcome, plenty of shopping and food is available and music is live. Belton continues in their annual 4th of July celebration festivities throughout the day bringing community together and celebrating the independence of the United States.
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A re-cap of last years parade By Haley Watson Correspondent
The morning of Tuesday, July 4, more than 30,000 people lined the streets of Belton for the 98th annual Belton 4th of July Parade. Flags flown high along the streets as Belton locals and people from near and far gathered to celebrate Independence Day. “My favorite part about the parade is seeing all of the people come together to celebrate. We’ve been coming since I was little and never missed one,” said Alicia Prado, long time attendee of the parade for 40+ years. While for some this parade is tradition and they have been attending the Belton 4th festivities their whole lives, for others, this year’s parade was a brand new experience.
“This is my first ever Independence Day Parade. I moved here from Germany. I really liked the parade and all the local groups in it. My favorite was the High School Marching Orchestra.” said Melina Kyriazoglou. This year’s parade featured 245 floats, bands, marching units, decorated vehicles, horseback riders and other traveling sites celebrating their independence. The parade traveled from the corner of 10th Avenue and Main Street to the corner of Central Avenue and Birdwell Street. Children waved and hollered, as different floats traveled along the streets in front of them. Between the fire trucks, cop cars, fast cars, old cars, music and the fairytale characters, children amongst the audience were waving their flags proudly
and having a good time. “This is our first year here. I heard this parade was the best one in the area to go to. It was really good for the kids.” said Tommy Varebrook. Following the parade, everyone gathered their lawn chairs and ice chests and traveled over to the Festival at Nolan Creek. People from all around venture to the festival for food, live music, water slides, petting zoos, shopping and more. “This is our second time coming here (the festival) but we have been going to the parade for over 60 years. “The community coming together to celebrate is the best thing about it.” said Karen Connell. This year’s festival featured the Brett Hendrix Band playing live on stage. Carnival style food such as turkey
legs, funnel cakes, foot-long corndogs and more were available at different booths set up throughout the park. Children flocked to the waterslides, petting zoo and pony rides, while parents enjoyed the music and a little bit of shopping from various vendors. “We always come down here after the parade. We like the atmosphere and my husband really likes the fair food.” said Nettie Guthrie. Traveling around from vendor to vendor, people are set up with red, white and blue everywhere. Children play, dogs are welcome, plenty of shopping and food is available and music is live. Belton continues in their annual 4th of July celebration festivities throughout the day bringing community together and celebrating the independence of the United States.
Photo by Christopher Winston
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2018 Guide to Belton’s 4th of July Celebration
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PRCA Rodeo The ins, the outs, and who’s doing what By Tony Adams The Belton Journal
Bull Riding Rodeo competition, in the beginning, was a natural extension of the daily challenges cowboys confronted on the ranch -- roping calves and breaking broncs into saddle horses. Bull riding, which is intentionally climbing on the back of a 2,000-pound bull, emerged from the fearless nature of the cowboy. Sure, the risks are obvious. Serious injury is always a possibility for those fearless enough to sit astride an animal that a muscle-mass of nearly a ton and is usually equipped with dangerous horns. Bull riding is dangerous and predictably exciting, demanding intense physical toughness, supreme
mental toughness and courage. But the accolades and the respect that comes from bull riding are great and the stories are life-long. It’s one of rodeo’s most popular events worldwide. The bull rider may use only one hand to stay aboard during the eight-second ride. If he touches the bull or himself with his free hand, he receives no score. Bull riders are not required to mark out their animals. While spurring a bull can add to the cowboy’s score, riders are commonly judged solely on their ability to stay aboard the twisting, bucking mass of muscle. Balance, flexibility, coordination, quick reflexes and a strong mental attitude are the stuff of which good bull riders are made.
To stay aboard the bull, a rider grasps a flat braided rope, which is wrapped around the bull’s chest just behind the front legs and over its withers. Every bull is unique in its bucking habits. A bull may dart to the left, then juke back to the right and then rear back. Some bulls spin or continuously circle in one spot in the arena. Others add jumps or kicks to their spins, while others might jump and kick in a straight line or move side to side while bucking. And then there’s the rare occasion that a bull stops and then goes crazy with a combination of moves. The Belton’s 4th of July PRCA Rodeo had no qualifying rides in three tough nights at the 2017 rodeo. The riders will be looking to buck that trend here in 2018. Bareback Riding Most cowboys agree that bareback riding is the most physically demanding event in rodeo, taking an immense toll on the cowboy’s body. Muscles are stretched to the limit, joints are pulled and pounded mercilessly, and ligaments are strained and frequently rearranged. The strength of bareback broncs is exceptional and challenging them is often costly. Bareback riders endure more abuse, suffer more injuries and carry away more long-term damage than all other rodeo cowboys. To stay aboard the horse, a bareback rider uses rigging made of leather and constructed to meet PRCA safety specifications. The rigging is placed atop the horse’s withers and secured with a cinch.
CONTINUED on PAGE 25
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2018 Guide to Belton’s 4th of July Celebration
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PRCA Rodeo (cont.) CONTINUED from 22 As the bronc and rider burst from the chute, the rider must have both spurs touching the horse’s shoulders until the horse’s feet hit the ground after the initial move from the chute, or what is called marking out. If the cowboy fails to do this, he is disqualified. As the bronc bucks, the rider pulls his knees up, rolling his spurs up the horse’s shoulders. As the horse descends, the cowboy straightens his legs, returning his spurs over the point of the horse’s shoulders in anticipation of the next jump. Making a qualified ride and earning a money-winning score requires more than just strength. A bareback rider is judged on
his spurring technique, the degree to which his toes remain turned out while he is spurring and his willingness to take whatever might come during his ride. It’s the cowboy way. The top five riders in 2017 were Cody Cabeen on Lancaster & Jones Pro Rodeo’s Iron Lightning (72.5 points), a tie for second between Kyle Brennecke and Brian Leddy (70 points) and J.J. Alley (65 points). Saddle Bronc Riding Saddle bronc riding is rodeo’s classic event, both a complement and contrast to the wilder spectacles of bareback riding and bull riding. This event requires a unique combination of strength, grace and precise
timing. Synchronicity of bronc rider and horse makes for a fluid ride, which is the cowboy’s objective. One of the similarities shared by saddle bronc and bareback riding is the rule that riders in both events must mark out their horses on the first jump from the chute. To properly mark out his horse, the saddle bronc rider must have both heels touching the animal above the point of its shoulders when it makes its first jump from the chute. If the rider misses his mark, he receives no score. While a bareback rider has a rigging to hold onto, the saddle bronc rider has only a thick rein attached to his horse’s halter. Using one hand, the cowboy tries to stay securely seated in his saddle. If he touches any part of the horse or his own body with his free hand, he is disqualified. Judges score the horse’s bucking action, the cowboy’s control of the horse and the cowboy’s spurring action. While striving to keep his toes turned outward, the rider spurs from the points of the horse’s shoulders to the back of the saddle. To score well, the rider must maintain that action throughout the eight-second ride. While the bucking ability of the horse is quite naturally built into the scoring system, a smooth, rhythmic ride is sure to score better than a wild, uncontrolled effort.
2018 Guide to Belton’s 4th of July Celebration
Treyson Antonick’s 80-point ride aboard Lancaster & Jones Pro Rodeo’s High Lonesome won the 2017 competition. Andrew Counts (77 points) came in second place, Ty Smith (76.5 points) placed third and Tate Owens (76 points) came in fourth place. Barrel Racing Barrel racing has no judges, no subjective points of view. Time is the determining factor. Barrel racing is graceful, with four points of focus: One woman, three barrels, a horse and a stopwatch. Because so many barrel racers have finely tuned their skill, the sport is timed to the hundredth of a second. When the racer enters the arena, an electronic eye starts the clock. The clock is stopped the instant the horse completes the pattern. Barrel racing at its core has changed little from the days when cowgirls raced for minimal, if any, prize money and support. The prizes and exposure have increased over the years. But the ultimate
CONTINUED on PAGE 26
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PRCA Rodeo (cont.) CONTINUED from 25 goal remains essentially the same as in the past: stop the clock as quickly as possible. The horse is ridden as quickly as possible around a cloverleaf -shaped course of three barrels. At the end of the performance, once all of the racers have finished their runs, the clock is the one and only judge. Ride quickly and win. Hesitate and lose. Not only have the best of the sport spent countless hours practicing and honing their skill, but they also have invested many dollars in the purchase and maintenance of the talented horses they ride. A proven barrel racing horse can cost
26
$50,000. For the professional barrel racer, this is a small price to pay. Not only must the horse be swift, but it also must be intelligent enough to avoid tipping barrels, an infraction that adds five penalty seconds to the time and eliminates a contestant from contention. Jill Wilson won the 2017 competition with a time of 16.13 seconds. McKinley Goodger (16.30 seconds) was second and Michelle Alley finished third (16.35). The competition was so tight that the margin from first place to 10th place was a mere .52 of a second. Steer Wrestling Speed and strength. That’s steer wrestling in a nut-
shell. With the world record sitting at 2.4 seconds, steer wrestling is the quickest event in rodeo. The objective of the steer wrestler, known in rodeo circles as a “bulldogger,” is to use strength and tech-
nique to wrestle a steer to the ground as quickly as possible. That sounds simple enough, but here is the hard part: The steer generally weighs more than twice as much as the cowboy and, at the
CONTINUED on PAGE 31
2018 Guide to Belton’s 4th of July Celebration
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2018 Guide to Belton’s 4th of July Celebration
2017 celebrations
Photos by Christopher Winston
2018 Guide to Belton’s 4th of July Celebration
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PRCA Rodeo (cont.) CONTINUED from 26 time the two come together, they’re both often traveling at 30 miles-per-hour. Speed and precision, the two most important ingredients in steer wrestling, make bulldogging one of rodeo’s most challenging events. The bulldogger starts on horseback in a box. A breakaway rope barrier is attached to the steer and stretched across the open end of the box. The steer gets a head start that is determined by the size of the arena. When the steer reaches the advantage point, the barrier is released and the bulldogger takes off in pursuit.
If the bulldogger breaks the barrier before the steer reaches his head start, a 10-second penalty is assessed. In addition to strength, two other skills critical to success in steer wrestling are timing and balance. When the cowboy reaches the steer, he slides down and off the right side of his galloping horse, hooks his right arm around the steer’s right horn, grasps the left horn with his left hand and, using strength and leverage, slows the animal and wrestles it to the ground. But that’s not all: His work isn’t complete until the steer is on its side with all four feet pointing the same
direction. That’s still not all there is to it. To catch the sprinting steer, the cowboy uses a hazer, who is another mounted cowboy who gallops his horse along the right side of the steer and keeps it from veering away from the bulldogger. The efforts of the hazer can be nearly as important as those of the steer wrestler. For that reason, and the fact that he sometimes supplies the bulldogger with a horse, the hazer often receives a fourth of the payoff. In the 2017 competition, Sam Powers (4.5 seconds) edged Bill Pace (5.4 seconds) for first place. Gabe
2018 Guide to Belton’s 4th of July Celebration
Soileau (6.6 seconds) finished third. Calf Roping (Tie-Down Roping) Being a good horseman and a fast sprinter can become as important to the competitive tie-down roper as being quick and accurate with a rope. The mounted cowboy starts from a box, a three-sided fenced area adjacent to the chute holding the calf. The fourth side of the box opens into the arena. The calf receives a head start that is determined by the length of the arena. One end of a breakaway rope barrier is looped around the
CONTINUED on PAGE 33
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PRCA Rodeo (cont.) CONTINUED from 31 calf’s neck and stretched across the open end of the box. When the calf reaches its advantage point, the barrier is released. If the roper breaks the barrier before the calf reaches its head start, the cowboy is assessed a 10-second penalty. The horse is trained to come to a stop as soon as the cowboy throws his loop and catches the calf. The cowboy then dismounts, sprints to the calf and throws it by hand, which is defined as flanking. If the calf is not standing when the cowboy reaches it, he must allow the calf to get back on its feet before flanking it. That can eat up valuable time. After the calf is flanked, the roper ties any three legs together with a pigging string -- a short, looped rope he clenches in his teeth during the run. While the cowboy is accomplishing all of that, his horse must pull back hard enough to eliminate any slack in the rope, but not so hard as to drag the calf. When the roper finishes tying the calf, he throws his hands in the air as a signal that the run is completed. The roper then remounts his horse, rides forward to create slack in the rope and waits six seconds to see if the calf remains tied. If the calf kicks free, the roper receives no time. Rowdy Haferkamp’s time of 8.0 seconds won the 2017 competition. Zack Jongbloed (8.8 seconds) finished second and Derrick Traylor (9.2 seconds) finished in third place. Team Roping Team roping, the only true team event in ProRodeo, requires close cooperation and timing between two highly skilled ropers -- a header and a heeler -- and their horses. The keys to success are hard work, great teamwork and endless practice. Team roping partners must perfect their timing, both as a team and with their respective horses. Similar to tie-down ropers and steer wrestlers,
team ropers start from the boxes on each side of the chute from which the steer enters the arena. The steer gets a head start determined by the length of the arena. One end of a breakaway barrier is attached to the steer and stretched across the open end of the header’s box. When the steer reaches his advantage point, the barrier is released, and the header takes off in pursuit, with the heeler trailing slightly further behind. The ropers are assessed a 10-second penalty if the header breaks the barrier before the steer completes his head start. The header ropes first and must make one of three legal catches on the steer -- around both horns, around one horn and the head or around the neck. Any other catch by the header is considered illegal and the team is disqualified. After the header makes his catch, he turns the steer to the left and exposes the steer’s hind legs to the heeler. The heeler then attempts to rope both hind legs. If he catches only one foot, the team is assessed a five-second penalty. After the cowboys catch the steer, the clock is stopped when there is no slack in their ropes and their horses face one another. Jesy Austin and James Arnold won 2017 Belton 4th of July PRCA Rodeo Team Roping event with a time of 5.7 seconds. The teams of Justin Lovell and Boogie Ray (5.8 seconds) finished in second and Andrew Livingston and Dee Rampy (11.6 seconds) finished in third place. Rodeo Clown & Barrelman Rudy Burns Rudy Burns was a funnyman bull rider in his early days of rodeo. A rodeo promoter approached him four decades ago about working the barrel as clown when the weekend’s clown pulled a no-show. He went into the assignment with a little reservation. But once he came
decked out in makeup and overalls, Burns started a brand new career as a rodeo clown. Four-and-a-half decades later, Burns is still protecting bull riders as a rodeo clown and barrelman. Burns was Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s (PRCA) Barrel Man of the Year in 1995 and 2000, while garnering runner-up honors in 1998, 1999, 2001 and 2010. Come on out to the rodeo and see one of the funniest barrelmen to don the pink cowboy hat and rainbow wig. Mutton Bustin’ Registration has already passed for this event, but children ages 4-7 with heights between 42.5” and 53” (and not over 55 lbs.) will get their chance to grab some fluff and show their stuff in the Mutton Bustin’ event during Belton’s 91st Annual 4th of July PRCA Rodeo. One of the most popular attractions at the Belton 4th of July PRCA Rodeo, the Mutton Bustin’ event features young cowpokes clinging to sheep as hard as they can for as long as they can. Like the standard roughstock events, the time and score counts. First, second and third places will be awarded each night. Stickhorse Grand Entry WANTED: Little buckaroos to participate in the STICKHORSE GRAND ENTRY, at Belton’s 91st Annual 4th of July PRCA Rodeo. Children eight years old and younger are eligible to enter the Stick Horse Grand Entry. As part of family day, all kids 8 and under get in free with a stick horse. You can pick up your stick horse grand entry passes at the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce after June 1st. The Grand Entry will end with the crowning of the Stick Horse King and Queen. Western Gift Show The Western Gift Show begins at 6 p.m. each night of the rodeo. The vendors feature a variety of items, including leather products, cowboy gifs, western clothing, jewelry and Belton 4th of July Rodeo souvenirs.
2018 Guide to Belton’s 4th of July Celebration
33
Lancaster Pro Rodeo T
Staff Report
he Lancaster and Pickett Pro Rodeo Company out of Fairfield, Texas, is not just another rodeo company. This is a production company. “These guys are for real,” Doug Mathis, PRCA rodeo announcer, said. “They don’t just bring great stock to the rodeo, they bring the whole game and the know-how to play.” From exciting pre-rodeo entertainment with Nashville recording artist Trish Lynn,
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to the crowd favorite All American Cowgirl Chicks with their jam-packed, fast paced, trick riding and team drills. “Not only are the Cowgirl Chicks bringing fans back night after night they are opening the eyes of the rodeo world,” said Chad Lancaster, co-owner of the Lancaster and Pickett Pro Rodeo Company is dedicated to making pro rodeo what it’s supposed to be - professional! Chad Lancaster has been involved in the production
end of producing rodeos since he was old enough to help his dad, who owns the Lancaster Rodeo Company, and has produced some of the top rodeos in Texas for more than 25 years. Co-owner Cullen Pickett has a similar background in which his dad worked as a pickup man for more than 30 years before retiring to run their cattle operation. The new PRCA duet already offers some of the best stock up a little for the contestants to compete on with plans already in the
works to purchase several, feature animals before next year. Lancaster and Picket will always make sure that their stock is a premier quality to assure every contestant on both ends of the arena that they will have a fair shake. That’s what brings the cowboys back and that’s what they offer. Lancaster and Pickett Pro Rodeo Company brings a lot of energy, color, exciting livestock, professional staff from top to bottom and pure dedication to making your rodeo the best it’s ever been.
2018 Guide to Belton’s 4th of July Celebration
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items. Many are on a first-name basis with the employees. The menu at Green’s offers a variety of favorites to choose from including the infamous Green’s sausage burger – it’s like a hamburger but made with sausage. Other items are egg burgers, chick fried steak (hand cut and breaded fresh) and of course a sausage plate. There are low fat items as well. At the store, customers are faced with the problem of choosing from 21 different Green’s sausage products such as smoked port, dried sausage, beef sausage, pork, dried sausage, beef sausage, pork sausage, boudin, knackwurst and summer sausage. You’ll also find bacon, jerky, smoked hams, marinated fajita meat, barbeque chicken and marinated rib eyes. For the more health conscious, there are smoked turkey breasts and turkey sausage. Green’s Sausage House is open
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The colorful history behind fireworks
I
Special to the Journal
ndependence Day celebrations are marked by many spectacles. But few can garner the “oohs and aahs” of a good fireworks display. Summer is a time of year when the resonating booms and bright spills of color that dot the night sky are quite common. Fireworks, which can be traced back thousands of years, have an interesting history. Many historians believe fireworks originated in ancient China as early as 200 B.C. It is thought that early fireworks were not the gunpowder-filled explosives of today, but something made from bamboo, a material native to China. Chunks of bamboo, a thick, fast-growing grass, may have been tossed onto a fire as fuel. The rods would blacken, but eventually explode in the fire, causing a loud, frightening noise. This noise was a result of trapped air and sap inside of the bamboo rods heating and expanding until the bamboo exploded under the pressure. The exploding bamboo was used to ward off animals, other people and evil spirits. Chinese alchemists eventually stumbled on a recipe for basic gunpowder, mixing together saltpeter (potassium nitrate, then a common kitchen seasoning), charcoal, sulfur, and other ingredients. This powder was packed inside of hollow bamboo rods to produce an even bigger bang. Soon paper tubes replaced the bamboo, and fireworks were used for more than just scaring away spirits, as they were routinely included in special celebrations and even deployed during military engagements. Fireworks may have begun in China, but they were soon being used around the world.
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Italians had been fascinated with fireworks ever since the explorer Marco Polo brought back firecrackers from Asia in 1292. During the Renaissance in Europe, the Italians began to develop fireworks into a true art form. Since this was a period of artistic creativity and expression, many new fireworks were created. “Firemasters” were fireworks experts in medieval England. They worked with “green men,” who wore caps of leaves to protect themselves from raining sparks from the fireworks. In 1758, the Jesuit missionary Pierre Nicolas le Cheron d’Incarville, living in Beijing, wrote to the Paris Academy of Sciences about the methods and composition of fireworks, including how to make many types of Chinese fireworks. The world remains fascinated by fireworks even now. Fireworks displays have grown more elaborate over the years, requiring the skills of pyrotechnic experts, carpenters and digital sound masters. Various powders and chemicals mixed together produce a rainbow display of colors and aerial tricks that would likely have shocked the earliest firework creators. Not forgetting its origins, China continues to produce and export more fireworks than any other country in the world. Safety experts recommend the public leave fireworks to the professionals and sit back and relax during awe-inspiring pyrotechnic displays. As the United States and Canada prepare for their respective Independence Day celebrations, flashy fireworks displays are bound to be part of the festivities.
2018 Guide to Belton’s 4th of July Celebration
Festive facts for July 4th
Special to the Journal
E
ach year on July 4, Americans celebrate the birth of their nation and independence from Great Britain. This day marks the anniversary of the presentation and acceptance of the Declaration of Independence, signed 242 years ago on July 4, 1776. The Declaration of Independence began as a letter to Britain’s King George to explain why the Continental Congress was interested in declaring independence from Great Britain. The writing of the declaration began on July 2 and the final wording was established on July 4. Independence Day is full of opportunities to celebrate and enjoy oneself. Parades, fireworks, parties, barbecues, and much more are part of the festivities. Another way to commemorate Independence Day is to educate oneself
about the many historical and entertaining facts that surround the day. The following are some interesting details about the origins of Independence Day and the celebrations that surround it. • Although 56 people eventually signed the Declaration of Independence, only John Hancock signed the document on July 4, 1776. The rest added their names later on. John Hancock’s signature is ornate and widely recognized. Putting your “John Hancock” on a document has become synonymous with the process of signing something. • The Declaration of Independence was adopted while the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Statehouse. That building is now known as Independence Hall. • The average age of the signers of the Declaration of Independence was 45. The
youngest person to sign was Thomas Lynch, Jr., who was 27 when he signed the document. Benjamin Franklin, at age 70, was the oldest signee. • John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were the only signees who went on to serve as presidents. Coincidentally, Jefferson and Adams both died on July 4, 1826, within hours of each other. • Philadelphia is the birth place of much American history and is home to the Liberty Bell. Each Independence Day, the Liberty Bell is tapped (not rung, as the vibration would further damage the cracked bell) 13 times in honor of the original 13 American colonies. • The original 13 American colonies were located all along the eastern seaboard. They include Virgina, New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware,
North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. • The stars on the original American flag were placed in a circle. This was so all of the colonies would be equally represented. • Independence was gained in 1776, and the first celebration took place in Philadelphia four days later. The White House held its first Independence Day festivities in 1801. • Benjamin Franklin proposed that the turkey be the national bird of the United States. However, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson overruled him, and the bald eagle became the national bird. • The only copy of the engrossed and signed Declaration of Independence is in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Independence Day is a time for hot dogs, ice cream and, of course, revisiting America’s history.
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Speaking Rodeo Average Usually used to describe the aggregate score for a contestant who competed in more than one round, e.g., “He had times of 9.3 and 9.8 seconds in the two rounds and placed third in the average with 19.1 seconds on two head.” Bronc Rein A saddle bronc rider holds onto a bronc rein at a specific position that he determines based on the size and bucking habits of the horse he’s about to ride; bronc riders often give each other advice about the length of rein a specific horse will perform best with, e.g., “Give him 3½ fingers.” Bulldogger A steer wrestler Bullfighter An athlete who protects the bull rider after he dismounts or is bucked off by distracting the bull and directing its attention to the exit gate, sometimes stepping between the bull and the bull rider. Box In a timed event, the area a horse and rider back into before they make a roping or steer wrestling run Breaking the barrier: in the timed events, if the rider leaves the box too soon – failing to give the animal enough of a head start – he is assessed a 10-second penalty. Chute A pen that holds an animal safely in position Covering: in the roughstock events, staying on for at least the minimum time, eight seconds: “He covered all three broncs he rode last weekend.” Barrelman
An entertainer who uses a barrel to distract a bull after a ride, and sometimes to protect the cowboy. Barrier In timed events, a line at the front of the box that the contestant and his horse cannot cross until the steer or calf has a head start, usually marked with a rope and a flag so the timers can see it drop and start the clock. Calf roper A tie-down roper. Judges As in other sports, trained PRCA judges ensure that all participants follow PRCA rules; they determine times for runs in the timed events and scores for rides in the roughstock events; record penalties for any infractions of the rules; and inspect the arena, chutes and livestock before each competition. Hooey The knot that a cowboy uses to finish tying the calf’s legs together in tiedown roping. Flank strap A soft sheepskin- or Neoprene-lined strap placed in the area where a human’s belt would go, it encourages the animal to kick out behind itself rather than rear up, which provides a safer, showier ride. Header/Heeler The two partners in team roping – the header throws the first rope, over the animal’s head or horns, and the heeler throws the second rope to catch both the steer’s hind legs; roping one leg results in a five-second penalty. Crossfire penalty In team roping, if the header doesn’t change the
direction of the steer before the heeler catches, the run is disqualified Left (or right) delivery Many bucking animals prefer to stand in the chute facing a particular direction, so they can leave the chute in the direction they prefer. Flags Because rodeo’s timed events are measured in tenths of seconds, judges in the arena drop flags to signal the timers to stop the clocks. Mark out In the bareback and saddle bronc riding, a cowboy’s feet must be above the point of the horse’s shoulders when the horse’s front feet hit the ground – if so, he “marked the horse out,” but if not, he “missed him out” and the ride is disqualified. Slack Excess entries at some rodeos may be scheduled for preliminary (slack) competition, usually before the rodeo opens to the public. Flankman A cowboy or cowgirl who works in the bucking chutes, adjusting the flank strap around the animal before the ride; the best flankmen and women are familiar with each individual animal and know exactly how much flank to give each animal to encourage optimal bucking. Gold Card member life member A 10-year, dues-paying member of the PRCA who has reached his 50th birthday, or a 20-year dues-paying member of any age. Score In the roughstock events, the points awarded for the difficulty of the ride
2018 Guide to Belton’s 4th of July Celebration
(bucking) and the cowboy’s skill in riding; in the timed events, the length of the head start given to the calf or steer, which the judges calculate based on PRCA rules (each cowboy must correctly calculate how much of the required head start to allow the calf or steer to get before signaling his horse to leave the box; if he miscalculates, he will be out late and get a longer time, or will be out early and be penalized for breaking the barrier); however, when used to describe a horse (“That mare really scores well”),it refers to the horse’s obedience in staying in the box until the cowboy signals it to start the pursuit. Try A noun used for both cowboys and livestock, denoting grit, determination, fitness, stamina and resilience: “Give that cowboy a hand – he had a lot of try.” Spurs The spurs used in PRCA rodeos have dulled rowels that do not penetrate the animals’ skin, which is several times thicker than human skin; see the PRCA and Livestock Welfare chapter for more information. Standings A professional cowboy’s success is measured in earnings and cowboys may keep track of where they rank in yearly earnings in several sets of standings. Triple Crown winner A cowboy who wins three world championships in the same year; the most recent cowboy to do so was superstar Trevor Brazile in 2008
CONTINUED on PAGE 42
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Speaking Rodeo CONTINUED from 41 and 2010. Roughstock The bucking horses and bulls used in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding, usually bred and raised for the job. Stock contractors The companies that bring livestock to the arena for rodeos – bucking horses and bulls for the roughstock events and steers and calves for the timed events. Timed events Steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping and steer roping – events in which the contestant(s) who make the fastest qualified runs win. Reride If a cowboy’s score is affected by equipment failure or a horse or bull that doesn’t buck to performance specifications, the judges may offer the cowboy a clean-slate chance on a different horse or bull. Permit holder A PRCA contestant who has not yet won his first $1,000 at PRCA rodeos, which enables him to apply to become a card-holding member of the organization. Drop In roughstock events, the way a bucking horse or bull
may lower its front end suddenly while kicking out in back, creating a more difficult ride; in timed events, the way a calf or steer may lower its head to avoid a catch. Rank An adjective of praise and respect used to describe especially challenging roughstock. Ropes The correct term is rope, not lasso, lariat or riata; most ropes used in ProRodeo timed events are made of strong yet flexible braided materials such as nylon/poly blends, and a cowboy may change his rope selection depending on the weather and the cattle; bull ropes and bronc reins are often made of sisal or poly blends. Draw Each roughstock competitor who enters a PRCA rodeo is assigned a specific bucking horse or bull in a random draw conducted at PRCA headquarters three days before the rodeo; each timed-event contestant is assigned a calf or steer in a random draw on site, shortly before each performance of a rodeo begins. Pigtail A piece of string attached to the barrier that breaks if a timed-event contestant’s
horse exits the box too soon, not giving the calf or steer enough of a head start according to PRCA rules. Hazer In steer wrestling, the cowboy who rides on the right side of the steer from the contestant to make sure the steer runs straight. Nodding In the roughstock events, a cowboy nods when he is ready for the gateman to open the gate and the ride to begin; in the timed events, a cowboy nods when he is ready for the calf or steer to be released from the chute and get its head start. Turn out A cowboy may turn out of a rodeo if, for example, he has a scheduling conflict; this is different from “doctor-releasing” due to injury. Go-round Many rodeos have more than one round of competition; each is called a go-round, and all cowboys entered in that rodeo compete in each go-round unless there is a semi-final, final or progressive round. Pickup men Two mounted cowboys who help riders dismount, release a bucking horse’s soft flank strap, and escort bucking horses and bulls to the exit gate after a ride.
Dally In team roping, each roper, after throwing his loop, wraps the loose rope around his saddle horn – dallies – and the two ropers move their horses to face each other, pulling the ropes taut to stop the clock. Riggin’ A suitcase-style handhold customized to a rider’s grip and attached to a molded piece of leather that is cinched, with a pad, around the horse’s girth. Hung up When a bull rider or bareback rider cannot remove his hand from the rope or handle before he dismounts or is thrown off the bull’s or horse’s back, his hand is “hung up” – a dangerous situation – and the pickup men or bullfighters will move in to help dislodge his hand so he can get clear of the animal. Piggin’ string In tie-down roping, the small rope used to tie a calf’s legs together. Penalty In timed events, common penalties include 10 seconds for breaking the barrier and, in team roping, five seconds for a one-hind-leg catch. Courtesy of www.hotfair. com
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Fourth of July barbecue essentials Special to the Journal
The 4th of July is fast approaching and revelers across the nation are preparing to toast their independence with family and friends. For many Americans, backyard barbecues are synonymous with the Fourth of July, a day that, in the United States of America, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Precious few Americans can say they have not been present at a 4th of July barbecue or witnessed a fireworks display honoring America’s official declaration of independence from Great Britain. Hosting a July 4th barbecue for the first time may have some hosts anxious about throwing a summer soirée to remember, but fun is sure to be had if hosts remember to include
the following backyard barbecue essentials this Independence Day. Food No Fourth of July barbecue is complete without food, so hosts should be sure to stock up on popular barbecue fare like hot dogs and hamburgers. Though such foods likely won’t be mistaken for gourmet fare anytime soon, Fourth of July revelers often embrace the tradition of grilling up some hot dogs and hamburgers even if they tend to avoid such foods throughout the rest of the year. Hosts should not feel pressured to provide gourmet fare on July 4th, but it is a thoughtful gesture to ask guests in advance if they have any food allergies or need to avoid certain foods for other reasons. Beverages It goes without saying that guests will need refreshing beverages at parties held
in early July, but be sure to stock up on a variety of beverages so guests are not forced to consume drinks they don’t want. Be sure to have plenty of water available to guests, and provide sodas, iced tea and lemonade as well. Offer alcoholic beverages to adult guests, but don’t go overboard stocking up on alcohol, as that might encourage guests to overindulge. Games Backyard barbecues are most fun when guests are entertained, so plan to have some games available for guests of all ages. Encourage guests to bring a change of clothes or swimsuits if games will involve water or something that might soil their clothing. If you have a pool, purchase some pool games so swimmers can do more than just wade in the water or take a few laps. Plan a Wiffle ball game for kids and dig some horseshoe
2018 Guide to Belton’s 4th of July Celebration
pits or buy a ring toss set so adults can engage in some friendly competition as well. Safety Though no one wants to think of a 4th of July celebration taking a turn for the worst, hosts must prepare for emergencies. Restock the first-aid kit if necessary and keep a constant eye on guests, especially children, to ensure everyone is having a safe and happy time. Program a list of local taxi companies into your phone so you can easily call for transportation should any guests have too much to drink during the festivities. Hosts should abstain from alcohol so they can serve as designated driver should the need arise at the end of the night. Backyard barbecues are a staple of July 4th, and there’s no reason your summer soirée can’t be one to remember for years to come.
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Fun facts about America’s Star Spangled Banner Special to the Journal
July 4, 2018 marks the 242nd anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Fireworks will illuminate the night sky, the rich smell of barbecue will be in the air, and the country will be awash in red, white and blue splendor. Chances are the swelling melody of “The Star Spangled Banner” will be broadcast over the radio and on various firework display telecasts. The national anthem is synonymous with the United States America, and its notes very well may be the patriotic glue that binds the country together. Although the lyrics and music of the song are widely known, many may be unfamiliar with the rich history behind the beloved tune. A poem is born America began its fight for independence from Great Britain in 1775, and the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 to identify the 13 colonies that succeeded in winning their independence from Britain. However, the battles with Britain stretched on. Fights over territories kept disputes
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between the British Empire and the newly formed United States raging on, and it was during one such fight, and not during the Revolutionary War as some may think, that “The Star Spangled Banner” was written. The War of 1812 was declared by the United States to set right some of the issues that were not resolved after the Revolutionary War. Francis Scott Key was an American lawyer at the time of this war, negotiating for the release of an American hostage being held by the British. Although Key won the hostage’s release, he was not able to leave the British fleet where the negotiations took place until the British completed their attack on Baltimore. Key witnessed the British fiery bombs on Ft. McHenry at Chesapeake Bay. Just before dawn on the morning of September 14, 1814, Key was said to have noticed a huge American flag still waving above Ft. McHenry in defiance to the British attack. This imagery helped inspire the words of a poem that eventually would become the national anthem. Key penned the poem on the back of a letter he held in his
pocket. After the battle was over and Key was released, he completed the poem at the Indian Queen Hotel, where he was staying. The poem was titled, “Defense of Fort M’Henry.” The poem was put to music to fit the popular melody “The Anacreonic Song” by English composer John Stafford Smith. Key’s brother-in-law, Judge Joseph H. Nicholson, anonymously made the first printing of the lyrics to the melody, and the song was printed in two newspapers. The song quickly became popular, and soon after, Thomas Carr of the Carr Music Store in Baltimore, Maryland published the words and music under a new title, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” “The Star-Spangled Banner” takes off “The Star-Spangled Banner” became one of the nation’s most beloved patriotic songs in the 19th century. According to Smithsonian, the song gained special significance during the Civil War, a time when many Americans turned to music to express their feelings for the flag and the ideals and values it represented. The military used the song for ceremonial purposes, requiring it be played
at the raising and lowering of the colors. But many versions of the song were used during these ceremonies and celebrations. By the 20th century, President Woodrow Wilson wanted to establish a standard version, so he tasked the United States Bureau of Education to provide an official version. In response, the Bureau of Education enlisted the help of five musicians, including Walter Damrosch, Will Earhart, Arnold J. Gantvoort, Oscar Sonneck and John Philip Sousa, to agree on an arrangement. This new standardized version was first played on December 5, 1917, at Carnegie Hall. It wasn’t until March 3, 1931, that “The Star-Spangled Banner” became the official national anthem of the United States when President Herbert Hoover signed this designation into law. This Fourth of July, people may be struck by the magnificence of the fireworks or the enjoyment of the parades. But as the music swells, they also can think about the significance of the events that inspired the creation of the country’s national anthem.
2018 Guide to Belton’s 4th of July Celebration
U.S. Flag Etiquette U.S. Flag Code
Displaying the Flag Outdoors When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff. When it is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag - of a state, community, society or Scout unit - the flag of the United States must always be at the top except that the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for Navy personnel when conducted by a Naval chaplain on a ship at sea.
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When the flag is displayed over a street, it should be hung vertically, with the union to the north or east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk, the flag’s union should be farthest from the building. When flown with flags of states, communities, or societies on separate flag poles which are of the same height and in a straight line, the flag of the United States is always placed in the position of honor - to its own right. The other flags may be smaller but none may be larger. No other flag ever should be placed above it. The flag of the United
States is always the first flag raised and the last to be lowered. When flown with the national banner of other countries, each flag must be displayed from a separate pole of the same height. Each flag should be the same size. They should be raised and lowered simultaneously. The flag of one nation may not be displayed above that of another nation. Raising and Lowering the Flag The flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. Ordinarily it should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. It should be
illuminated if displayed at night. The flag of the United States of America is saluted as it is hoisted and lowered. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest. Displaying the Flag Indoors When on display, the flag is accorded the place of honor, always positioned to its own right. Place it to the right of the speaker or staging area or sanctuary. Other flags should be to the left. The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the high-
2018 Guide to Belton’s 4th of July Celebration
U.S. Flag Etiquette est point of the group when a number of flags of states, localities, or societies are grouped for display. When one flag is used with the flag of the United States of America and the staffs are crossed, the flag of the United States is placed on its own right with its staff in front of the other flag. When displaying the flag against a wall, vertically or horizontally, the flag’s union (stars) should be at the top, to the flag’s own right, and to the observer’s left. Parading and Saluting the Flag When carried in a procession, the flag should be to the right of the marchers.
When other flags are carried, the flag of the United States may be centered in front of the others or carried to their right. When the flag passes in a procession, or when it is hoisted or lowered, all should face the flag and salute. The Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem The pledge of allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention, facing the flag, and saluting. When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if
displayed, otherwise to the music. The Flag in Mourning To place the flag at half staff, hoist it to the peak for an instant and lower it to a position half way between the top and bottom of the staff. The flag is to be raised again to the peak for a moment before it is lowered. On Memorial Day, the flag is displayed at half staff until noon and at full staff from noon to sunset. The flag is to be flown at half staff in mourning for designated, principal government leaders and upon presidential or gubernatorial order. When used to cover a casket, the flag should be
2018 Guide to Belton’s 4th of July Celebration
placed with the union at the head and over the left shoulder. It should not be lowered into the grave. Retiring the Flag When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner. Most American Legion Posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on Flag Day, June 14. Many Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, and Girl Scout Troops retire flags regularly as well. Contact your local American Legion Hall or Scout Troop to inquire about the availability of this service.
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1402 Waco Rd. Belton, TX 76573 Located next to Summer Fun Water Park Mon-Sat 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sun 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Local Fireworks Shows Fireworks are a favorite symbolic reminder and tradition for celebrating our nation’s independence. Even though Belton does not have a firework display, one does not have to travel far to see the sky light up for the Fourth of July. Temple In Temple, you can celebrate Independence Day at the “H-E-B All American Family Fun Fest” on July 4 at Miller Park, 1919 North 1st Street. Enjoy plenty of family activities, food, live entertainment and, of course, an extravagant firework display. Bring chairs or blankets to relax and watch the fireworks dance across the sky. The H-E-B All American Family Fun Fest is free and open to the public.
guests can enjoy a private stunning display of fireworks as you relax around the pool and enjoy dining from the Tanglewood Cafe. The fireworks show can also be viewed from many vantage points surrounding the club. REMEMBER It is illegal to shoot off fireworks within the Belton City Limits. If you choose to partake in firework fun outside city limits, however, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind: • Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles. • Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water. • Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby. • Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day. • Read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting. • Never give fireworks to children.
Fort Hood Where else could be more perfect than to celebrate Independence Day than at Fort Hood, the largest military installation in the free world? Come early to enjoy live music, food and vendors. The highlight of the evening will be 30 minutes of thunderous sounds and spectacular lights of a pyrotechnic display that is choreographed to patriotic musical favorites. Lake Belton On Lake Belton, one can catch a stunning fireworks show that is best seen from a boat’s view anchored by Rogers Park. The fireworks show is provided by a private individual, whose yearly festivities have become known as the “Best Fireworks Show on the Lake.” The fireworks display will start at dusk and are great to watch in the air and as they reflect in the waters of Belton Lake. Wildflower Country Club If you are a member of the Wildflower Country Club in Temple, you and your
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2018 Guide to Belton’s 4th of July Celebration
The history of July 4th Courtesy of History.com
Variously known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day, July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83). In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days, later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth
of American independence, with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. THE BIRTH OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE When the initial battles in the Revolutionary War broke out in April 1775, few colonists desired complete independence from Great Britain, and those who did were considered radical. By the middle of the following year, however, many more colonists had come to favor independence, thanks to growing hostility against Britain and the spread of revolutionary sentiments such as those expressed in Thomas Paine’s bestselling pamphlet “Common Sense,” published in early 1776. On June 7, when the Continental Congress met at the Pennsylvania State House
(later Independence Hall) in Philadelphia, the Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduced a motion calling for the colonies’ independence. Amid heated debate, Congress postponed the vote on Lee’s resolution, but appointed a five-man committee–including Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, John Adams of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Robert R. Livingston of New York–to draft a formal statement justifying the break with Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of Lee’s resolution for independence in a near-unanimous vote (the New York delegation abstained, but later voted affirmatively). On that day, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail that July 2 “will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniver-
sary Festival” and that the celebration should include “Pomp and Parade…Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.” On July 4th, the Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, which had been written largely by Jefferson. Though the vote for actual independence took place on July 2, from then on the fourth became the day that was celebrated as the birth of American independence. EARLY FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS In the pre-Revolutionary years, colonists had held annual celebrations of the king’s birthday, which traditionally included the ringing of bells, bonfires, processions and speechmaking. By contrast, during the summer of 1776,
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The history of July 4th (cont.) CONTINUED from 53
July 4th an official state holiday.
some colonists celebrated the birth of independence by holding mock funerals for King George III, as a way of symbolizing the end of the monarchy’s hold on America and the triumph of liberty. Festivities including concerts, bonfires, parades and the firing of cannons and muskets usually accompanied the first public readings of the Declaration of Independence, beginning immediately after its adoption. Philadelphia held the first annual commemoration of independence on July 4, 1777, while Congress was still occupied with the ongoing war. George Washington issued double rations of rum to all his soldiers to mark the anniversary of independence in 1778, and in 1781, several months before the key American victory at Yorktown, Massachusetts became the first state to make
After the Revolutionary War, Americans continued to commemorate Independence Day
every year, in celebrations that allowed the new nation’s emerging political leaders to address citizens and create a feeling of unity. By the last decade of
the 18th century, the two major political parties – Federalists and Democratic-Republicans – that had arisen began holding separate Independence Day celebrations
in many large cities. JULY 4TH BECOMES A NATIONAL HOLIDAY The tradition of patriotic cele-
bration became even more widespread after the War of 1812, in which the United States again faced Great Britain. In 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday; in 1941, the provision was expanded to grant a paid holiday to all federal employees. Over the years, the political importance of the holiday would decline, but Independence Day remained an important national holiday and a symbol of patriotism. Falling in mid-summer, the Fourth of July has since the late 19th century become a major focus of leisure activities and a common occasion for family get-togethers, often involving fireworks and outdoor barbecues. The most common symbol of the holiday is the American flag, and a common musical accompaniment is “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the national anthem of the United States.
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