July 3, 2025
Freedom Fiesta set for this Saturday night
Plans underway for summer celebration
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) -- Central Park will be the place to be this Saturday night as the KWED Freedom Fiesta returns to Downtown Seguin.
Seguin’s favorite summer tradition along with its highly anticipated “Glow Up” theme runs from 6 to 11 p.m.
The festivities begin at 6 p.m. with the Guadalupe County Republican Women’s Kiddie Parade, led by “Uncle Sam” a.k.a. Guadalupe County Sheriff Joshua Ray. Kids are encouraged to deck out their wagons, bikes, and strollers in red, white, and blue to participate. Parade entrants this year will also be eligible to win an exciting prize thanks to this year’s sponsor Attorney Ruben James Reyes.
Observing the patriotic theme, KWED radio has chosen to add a little more glow to
this year’s Independence Day celebration by encouraging folks to help brighten downtown this summer with the glow of their necklaces, bracelets and other light up gear.
Guests will also get to dance the night away with the sounds of Clint Taft and the Buck Wild Band. This year, Clint will be joined on stage by his son Colton Taft. Both will be performing on the Republic Plastics Main Stage. Also playing at the same time but in another corner of the grounds will be the sounds of crowd-favorite DJ DTrayne.
In addition to a host of food trucks, non-profit food vendors and the Columbus Club of Seguin Beer Garden, this year’s Freedom Fiesta will also welcome plenty of family-friendly activities including moon bounces, Saturday, pg. 4
Seguin’s Fireworks
Fiesta finds new ground for 2025
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) – The city of Seguin’s tradition of hosting its annual Fireworks Show one day early, on July 3rd, continues tonight. And, while the rockets will still red glare tonight, where you watch them from might look a little different this year. That’s because two of the city’s most popular fireworks-watching spots -- Max Starcke Park West and the adjacent golf course -- will be off limits this year due to major renovations at the Starcke Park Golf Course.
Jack Jones, Seguin parks and recreation director, says with
construction crews hard at work at the golf course, those prime areas for watching fireworks will be off-limits during this year’s show.
“The Seguin fireworks show is the best display you’ll see outside of San Antonio or Austin,” said Jones. “However, with the Starcke Park Golf Course under construction, all of Max Starcke Park West and Fred Byrd Drive—including the open field area south of Fred Byrd and Seguin Animal Services—will be closed.”
Fireworks, pg. 3
Seguin gears up for the 2025 “Biggest
Small-Town 4th of July Parade
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) -- Thousands are again expected to line their chairs along South Austin Street for one of Seguin’s most cherished traditions -- the Biggest Small-Town 4th of July Parade in Texas. The parade is set for 10 a.m. Friday, July 4.
Serving as the 2025 Grand Marshal will be the Wilson Pottery Foundation. Seguin Mayor Donna Dodgen says this group is deeply rooted in Texas history and will serve as a powerful nod to local heritage.
“I am honored to name the Wilson Pottery Foundation as the grand marshal of Seguin’s 2025 Biggest Small-Town 4th of July Parade,” said Dodgen. “As one of the first African American-owned businesses in Texas, their work preserving the history and legacy of the Wilson family has been vital to Seguin’s cultural identity. The foundation’s commitment to educating future generations while honoring our shared past makes them a powerful symbol of freedom, resilience and community.”
Excited about this year’s event is Blair Friar, Main Street and CVB director. Friar says this year’s parade promises a colorful and festive display of floats, bands, classic cars, civic groups, and community spirit.
“This year, we are excited to have over 160 parade entries,” said. “We have great sized floats – all of our favorites as well as some new groups, so we are really excited to kick that off on Friday. The parade will run south on Austin Street. It will start at College Street and
in Texas
go all the way down to the Seguin Coliseum.”
Although the parade is fun, Friar also asks that the public be mindful of the route and help keep the area safe and clean for everyone.
“The one thing we encourage highly is that at the end of the parade, you do pick up your chairs, pick up any tape or any rope that is out,” said Friar. “Again, just leave the parks and the sidewalks how you found them because we do have wonderful events continuing throughout the whole weekend, so we want to make sure everyone is cleaned up and ready for the next event.” Parade, pg. 4
Craft Beer & Wine Fest to be hosted in downtown Seguin
Lizz Daniels
(Seguin) -- This weekend, locals can get a taste of something a little different while out at the KWED Freedom Fiesta. Just next door to the annual event, folks, for an additional cost – ranging from $25-$100, can sneak into the Seguin Chamber of Commerce's Beer and Wine Fest.
Chamber President Chester Jenke provided additional information on the event which the chamber is excited to host.
"The craft beer and wine fest has invited the top craft brewers within the central and south Texas region to provide samples, as well as full brew beers to those craft beer enthusiasts in the area – and there are a lot," Jenke said. "Craft beer brewers all have a distinct brew that they make- such as a Bock, Pilsner, Hefeweizen, only to name a few. While each of the brews has their own distinct category, each of those has their own distinct taste – which makes this a taster’s choice of the brews. While this is the first attempt for the Seguin Chamber, we are ecstatic that we have had a great response from the regional and local brewers. Attendees can expect to see over six central Texas brewers with at least three different brews as well as three local brewers with at least two different brews to taste."
Attendees will have the opportunity to try some of these different and more unique beers during the event, with a variety of flavors on the tasting menu. Attending
Fireworks, continued.
Despite these changes, the show is still set to launch from the end of Fred Byrd Drive.
Additional changes to traffic flow and road access are also in place to ensure the safety of all guests and to accommodate the shift in foot traffic.
To improve traffic flow after the show, vehicles exiting Max Starcke Park East or south on Stockdale Highway must turn south onto Tor Drive or continue south.
Vehicles parked at the Seguin Coliseum or the Softball 4-Plex will also need to exit north utilizing streets such as Boenig, Short, Stratton, Legette or South Saunders.
And no matter where you
breweries include: Fat Ass Brewing, Twisted X Brewing, Parish Brewing Company, Alstadt Brewery, Austin East Ciders, Faust Brewing Company and Karbach Brewing Company.
"Each of the brewers will have three different brews that are available and we left the selection up to them – so we should have some of their best available for the fest goers," Jenke said.
For those wishing to attend, sign-up is just an online click away with VIP access available for those who want a more luxurious experience complete with private balcony access and food from Texas' top BBQ joint, Seguin's Burnt Bean Co.
"The registration page will be on the Chambers website and will open on Friday for those that are interested in attending," Jenke said. "Each of the tickets provide a little different experience, but for sure the advance sale tickets save a little over the purchase at the door."
The event takes place next door to KWED's Freedom Fiesta which will be going on at the same time, so beer tasters can get a taste of both food and fun too while they're out with food trucks, vendors and more all on site.
The Craft Beer & Wine Fest will be held beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday at the historic Wells Fargo Building in downtown Seguin.
choose to view the red, white and blue, folks are reminded to tune into AM 1580 KWED radio for patriotic music brought to all by Joe Cool’s A/C and Heating. You can also listen live at SeguinToday.com. Just click the red play button found on the top right-hand corner. This year’s Fireworks Fiesta gets underway at 9:30 p.m. tonight in Max Starcke Park.
It’s been a few years that the show has been hosted a day early. Officials say the schedule change has allowed the city to have more bang for their buck creating a brighter and longer show in the area. It also allows most folks the opportunity to enjoy a late-night fireworks show without having to worry about getting up the next day for work.
Saturday, continued.
face painting, patriotic hair braiding, balloon animals, and a surprise after-dark glowing dance party. Kingdom Rescue will also be hosting a pet adoption booth. Local arts & crafts vendors will also set up shop around Central Park.
For a full guide to the night’s festivities, including the Kiddie Parade, vendor booths, and more, pick up the June issue of Seguin Today Magazine, available at newsstands or online at SeguinToday.com. Copies of the magazine are also available at the KWED Radio located at 609 E. Court St.
Making this year’s Freedom Fiesta a go are business sponsors Burnt Bean Company, PB Group, WellMed-Seguin,
the Seguin Main Street Program, Bertling Equipment Rental, Texas Lutheran University, First Commercial Bank, Seguin Economic Development Corporation, Springs Hill Special Utility District, GVEC, the Law Offices of Ruben James Reyes, Factory AC Director AC/Heating, Guadalupe Healthcare Network (GHN), Seguin ISD Transportation Department, J&A Collision Center, J-Rod Auto Sales, TriCity Distributors, GRMC, Tres Hewell Mortuary, CMC Steel Texas, the SeguinGuadalupe County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Joe Cools A/C and Heating and the Koehler Company.
Be sure to thank these businesses for helping to continue Seguin’s summer tradition and Flagship celebration.
Parade, continued.
This year’s parade route will travel down Austin Street beginning at East College and ending on Nelda Street. Kicking off the morning will be the annual Flag Raising Ceremony at 9 a.m. in Central Park.
Among the events that will be continuing the city’s celebration the next day will be the KWED Freedom Fiesta. Freedom Fiesta will host a wide variety of events including live music, food, bouncy houses, the Kiddie Parade, a 9 p.m. Glow Up Dance Party, vendors, face painting, balloon artists, hair braiding and much more.
The event is free.
VITAL STATISTICS
Vinyard
Sherman Larry Vinyard, 82, passed away due to complications from Parkinson’s disease on Thursday, June 26, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. He was born July 1, 1942, in Seguin, Texas to Sherman and Cora (Stephens) Vinyard.
He grew up in Seguin, Texas and graduated from Texas Lutheran University with a degree in accounting. He served as a Colonel in the field artillery in the United States Army and the Texas Army National Guard for many decades, with service in the Republic of Vietnam from 1966-1967. He was inducted into the Field Artillery Hall of Fame at Fort Sill, Oklahoma in 2008. He was awarded the Honorable Order of St. Barbara and the Ancient Order of St. Barbara for exceptional service and contributions to the U.S. Army Field Artillery.
He worked for the Texas State Auditors Office as a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, Chartered Global Management Accountant, Certified Government Financial Manager, Certified Fraud Examiner, and Certified Risk Management Assurance. He retired from the State Auditor’s office in 1996, but he was far from done working. He began teaching accounting courses at Austin Community College and doing consultant auditing work for Texas State University in San Marcos. His students consistently reported his classes were exceptionally difficult; however, he had the highest rate of students passing the CPA examination on the first attempt. After his time teaching and
consulting, he went to work for the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2004 in the Office of Business Oversight as a Lead Auditor in the Internal Controls Service division. After four failed attempts, he officially retired from everything in September 2015, for real.
He absolutely LOVED all things baseball. He played in little league and pony league as a kid, then umpired baseball games, played softball with the State Auditor’s Office, and watched any baseball game on TV. If you asked him who he wanted to win he would always say, “I just want to see a good game.” He had a deep love for his country, a strong ethical character with integrity beyond reproach, was unwaveringly determined, and incessantly stubborn.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Sherman and Cora Vinyard, brother-in law Stephen Anthony Alblinger and sister-in-law Lloydine Vinyard. He is survived by his wife of 47 years Naomi Vinyard; daughters Carolyn Brown and her husband Daryl, and Rachel Hayse and her husband Ryan; grandchildren Ellie Brown, Wyatt Hayse, and Duncan Hayse, and brothers Jerry Vinyard and Keith Vinyard and his wife Fran. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends.
A visitation will be held Friday, July 11, 2025 in Georgetown, TX at the Ramsey Funeral Home & Crematorium from 4-6pm with a brief service following. A graveside service with military honors will be held at the Moulton City Cemetery, Saturday July 12th at 10:30 am with lunch to follow at the American Legion in Moulton, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to The Salvation Army or the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation.
Justice Department Announces Medicare Fraud Takedown
(Washington, DC) -- The Justice Department is announcing criminal charges against more than 300 individuals in a multi-billion-dollar health care fraud scheme. The agency says its takedown has resulted in charges against almost a hundred doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and other medical professionals for their involvement in over 14-billion-dollars worth of health care claims. The government seized more than 245-million-dollars as a result of the takedown, titled “Operation Gold Rush.” In New York, eleven individuals have been indicted and are alleged to claim medical equipment purchases under Medicare.
Experimental Moderna Flu Shot Showing Positive Results
(Cambridge, MA) -- Moderna says its experimental flu shot is showing positive results in a late-stage trial. According to the Massachusetts biotechnolgy company, the new flu vaccine’s efficacy was nearly 27-percent higher for adults 50 and older than a currently available shot. Findings from the study also show it works well against each of the major influenza strains in the shot. Moderna said efficacy appeared consistently strong across age groups, flu vaccination status and among people with various risk factors.
2-Year-Old Boy Stung By 150 Wasps Still In ICU
(Savannah, GA) -- A two-year-old Georgia boy who was stung by more than 150 wasps is still in the ICU. Beckham Reed was playing outside with an electric toy when he hit a nest of yellow jacket wasps last month. His parents rushed him to the ER after his skin started turning yellow. The ER then transferred him to Savannah Memorial Health Hospital after realizing he was suffering multi-organ failure. The child is showing progress and was recently taken off a dialysis machine and ventilator. His family started a GoFundMe to cover medical costs and it’s raised more than 66-thousand dollars so far.
Preventing Injuries From Fireworks This 4th Of July
(Washington, DC) -- Fireworks may be a staple of Independence Day but, unfortunately, so are injuries and deaths and they don’t just happen on the 4th of July. In 2024, over 14-thousand firework-related injuries were reported, most involving the hands, head, and ears. Eleven people were killed. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is hoping to turn things around with a reminder to the public to never let children play with fireworks, keep a bucket of water or a hose close by in case of a fire and carefully follow instructions on packaging when handling fireworks.
July
Seguin High School Class of 1980 Reunion
The Seguin High School Class of 1980 will be hosting its 45th Reunion from 2 to 5 p.m. on July 4th at The 1908 Bar, located at 100 E. Court St. in Seguin. For more information, contact Stacy Shanafelt Johnson at 817-999-7398. Hope to see you there!
Freedom Fiesta Seeking Food, Craft, Game, and Non-Profit Vendors
Seguin Daily News / KWED will be hosting Freedom Fiesta at 6 p.m. on July 5 in downtown Seguin. Vendor applications are now open for food trucks, for-profit food and drink vendors, arts and crafts, games, and non-profit organizations. The fee is $250 for food trucks and food vendors, and $100 for drink vendors. All fees are non-refundable and must be paid to KWED upon signing the application. A $25 food permit is also required for all food and drink vendors and must be obtained separately from the City of Seguin by noon on June 20, 2025. Non-profit organizations are encouraged to participate and should contact KWED for additional setup details. Space is limited, and forms should be submitted as soon as possible. For more information, call 830379-2234.
Changes Announced for 2025 Fireworks Fiesta Viewing in Seguin
The City of Seguin will be hosting the 2025 Fireworks Fiesta at dark on July 3, with fireworks launching from the end of Fred Byrd Drive near the
golf course. Due to ongoing renovations, Max Starcke Park West and the Starcke Park Golf Course grounds will be closed to the public. Visitors are encouraged to use alternate viewing areas, including Max Starcke Park East/Wave Pool Parking Lot and the Seguin Events Complex/Coliseum. Road closures and parking restrictions will be in effect, and vehicles parked in restricted zones will be towed. Visit the city’s official event page for full details.
Join GCRW’s Kiddie Parade:
Kids are invited to participate in the Guadalupe County Republican Women Kiddie Parade, which kicks off KWED’s Freedom Fiesta on Saturday, July 5th at 6 PM on Donegan Street next to Seguin’s Central Park gazebo. Kids can ride in their strollers, on their bikes or scooters, in their motorized vehicles, or just march around Central Park following Uncle Sam (aka, Sheriff Joshua Ray) around the square. Prizes will be given to the top two in each category (walking, self-propelled, motorized). No pre-registration is necessary. Contact Kelly with questions at 830.463.7549 or kdfoll123@yahoo. com.
Seguin High School Class of 1980 Plans
45th Reunion
The Seguin High School Class of 1980 will be hosting its 45th High School Reunion from 2 to 5 p.m. on July 4 at The 1908 Bar, located at 100 E Court St. in Seguin. For more information, contact Stacy Shanafelt Johnson at 817-999-7398.
City of Seguin Holiday Closure
The City of Seguin will be observing Independence Day on Friday, July 4. Non-emergency city offices and the Seguin Public Library will be closed. Offices will reopen on Monday, July 7. Garbage and recycling collection schedules will remain unchanged.
Seguin Art League Summer Art Camp –July Session
The Seguin Art League will be hosting a second session of the Wild Beasts: Animals in Folktales, Myth and Art Summer Art Camp from July 8 to July 11 at 104 S. Austin St. The camp runs from 10 a.m. to noon for ages 5 to 9, and 1 to 3 p.m. for ages 10 and older. Students will engage in creating bold and imaginative animal-themed art inspired by myth, folktale, and the wild style of the French “Fauves.” The cost is $125, and supplies are included. Each session is limited to 8 students. For more information, call 830-3050472.
Unwind Your Drawing Skills
The Seguin Art League will be hosting “Unwind Your Drawing Skills” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on July 11 at the gallery located at 104 S. Austin. This relaxing class is designed for all skill levels and will focus on using value to create strong contrasts in a still-life drawing. Participants ages 18 and older are invited, and the class size is limited to 12 students. Cost is $20. Bring your own sketchbook and pencil. For more information, call 830-305-0472 or visit the gallery.
Bryan Zipp
The Silver Center will be hosting Bryan Zipp at 7:30 p.m. on July 11th at the Crystal Chandelier Ballroom. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presale tickets are $10 by calling 830303-6612. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Strong Tower Christian Church BBQ Fundraiser
Strong Tower Christian Church will be hosting a BBQ Plate Sale fundraiser from 10 a.m. until sold out on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 525 W. New Braunfels St. in Seguin. Plates are available for a $12 donation to support the reconstruction of their house of worship. Donations can also be made via CashApp at $STRONGTOWER525. For more information, contact Jeannette at 830-557-8415 or Abby at 830-557-2245.
Indoor Flea Market Hosted by Guadalupana Society
The Guadalupana Society of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church will be hosting an Indoor Flea Market at 9 a.m. on July 12 at the Parish Hall, located at 409 W. Krezdorn St. in Seguin. Small business owners and vendors are invited to participate, with crafts, housewares, clothes, direct sales, and gently used items welcome. Food items require prior board approval. Tables are available for $25 each, with limited availability on a first come, first served basis. For more information or to reserve a table, contact Cindy Pease at 417-3891837 or Felisa Ramirez at 210-382-1745. Casino Night to Benefit Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center
The Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center will be hosting Casino Night from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on July 12 at The Big Red Barn, located at 390 Cordova Rd.
in Seguin. The evening will feature gaming tables, live and silent auctions, prizes, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and drinks. General admission is $50 in advance, which includes event entry and $1,000 in chips. Sponsorships and additional chip bundles are available. Proceeds will support services for local children. For tickets or sponsorship information, visit www.gccac.net or call 830-303-4760.
CMA Summer Strings and Vocal Arts Camps
The TLU Community Music Academy will be hosting its Summer Strings and Vocal Arts Camps on July 14–18 at the TLU Schuech Fine Arts Center. The Strings Camp will run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and includes instruction in violin, cello, and orchestra (no guitar). The Vocal Arts Camp will take place from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. Both camps are open to students in grades 2–6 and welcome beginners. Registration is open from April 21 to July 14, and the fee is $125 with discounts available. For more information and to register, visit www.tlucma.org.
Master Naturalist Meet N’ Greet
The Master Naturalist program will be hosting a Meet N’ Greet at 6:00 PM on July 15 at the AgriLife Extension Building, located at 210 E. Live Oak in Seguin. You are invited to learn about this volunteer organization dedicated to conserving Texas’ natural resources. A new training class will begin on August 5 for those interested in joining. For more details, visit txmn.org/guadalupe and click on “Certification Training,” or email Class@guadmn.org.
Gabe Galvan Band
The Silver Center will be hosting Gabe Galvan Band at 7:30 p.m. on July 25th at the Crystal Chandelier Ballroom. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presale tickets are $10 by calling 830-303-6612. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Texas Women of Influence Conference Slated for July 31
The Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the 2025 Texas Women of Influence Conference on July 31 at Geronimo Oaks Weddings and Events Venue, located at 1377 Dietert Road in Seguin. Organized by the Chamber’s Women’s Conference Planning Committee, the event aims to celebrate and empower women leaders across Texas. Further details, including registration and programming, will be announced closer to the date.
August
Singo Fundraiser: Music Through the Decades
The Seguin Sunrise Lions Club will be hosting the Singo Fundraiser at 4 p.m. on August 9 at the Silver Center. Themed “Music Through the Decades,” the event will feature five rounds of music bingo highlighting hits from the 1950s through the 2010s. Tickets will be sold in advance for $20.
To ensure non-profit organization’s meetings and events appear in this calendar, send information to: communitycalendar@ kwed1580.com, or drop off the information at the Seguin Daily News/KWED offices located at 609 E. Court St. in Seguin. For best results, submit information at least two weeks prior to the event.
