Freedom Fiesta is more than just a celebration of our nation’s independence — it’s a homecoming. Each year, friends and family return to Seguin for the parade, the fireworks, and the beloved Freedom Fiesta. These events have become cherished traditions that help define the Fourth of July weekend in our community.
Typically kicking off the holiday festivities, Freedom Fiesta will take on a new role this year as the grand finale to Seguin’s Independence Day celebrations. And we’re going out in style.
Get ready for music, food, and family fun — plus a brandnew twist. This year’s event carries a “Glow Up” theme, inviting everyone to light up the night with glow sticks, LED wearables, and anything that shines. It’s a fresh and vibrant way to bring the community together under the summer sky.
Best of all, Freedom Fiesta remains a free event, open to all. It’s a joyful reminder of the freedoms we share and the strength of our hometown spirit.
So gather your loved ones, grab your glow gear, and join us downtown for a night to remember. God bless Seguin, and God bless the United States of America.
Darren Dunn General Manager
Photo by Lizz Daniels
FIESTA GLOW UP
look at what’s new this year and what you can look forward to at Freedom Fiesta ‘25 SMALL PARADE WITH A BIG HEART
Kiddie Parade is back and read to roll!
FREEDOM FIESTA GLOWUP New Year, New Fun!
Story & Photos by Lizz Daniels
Every summer, residents of Seguin come together for one massive Fourth of July celebration. That event is Freedom Fiesta.
Hosted by KWED, Seguin Daily News, Freedom Fiesta is all about celebrating the red, white and blue the way Seguin does things –– with a big ‘ole party! Each year, downtown Central Park is filled with live music, folding chairs, food trucks, vendors and more as we celebrate the USA.
This year’s event is filled with new entertainment and KWED General Manager Darren Dunn says things are getting taken to a whole new level.
“Freedom Fiesta is getting a serious glow-up,” Dunn said. “We’re bringing bright lights, vibrant colors, and even more fun to this year’s celebration. The live music and DJ are both back — with Clint Taft & The Buckwild Band rocking the main stage and DJ D’Trayne spinning dance hits for a younger crowd.”
New this year will be larger-than-life dancing robots that will light up the night once the sun goes down. All attendees are encouraged to wear glow sticks, neon gear, or other light-up accessories to bring the event to life.
“We’re also planning a big community line dance session, so come ready to Wobble, Cupid Shuffle, and show off your best moves,” Dunn said. Returning this year is the Kids Zone where bounce houses run all night and the kids play.
“Kids are a huge part of Freedom Fiesta, and we’re expanding the fun just for them,” Dunn elaborated. “There will be two dedicated areas for children this year. The classic bounce houses will return near the Guadalupe County Courthouse, and we’re adding a second zone with games like GaGaBall and more interactive fun. The night kicks off with our annual Kiddie Parade, where kids can march around Central Park with Uncle Sam in their red, white, and blue gear.
Every child who participates will be entered to win a grand prize giveaway — one lucky kid will take home something special!”
Freedom Fiesta has been a community staple since the sixties, and has continued to grow and evolve to keep things fresh and exciting each year. While the event is a celebration of independence, Dunn says its much more than that.
“Freedom Fiesta has been a Seguin tradition since 1967. Over the decades, it’s taken on many different forms,” he said. “We took over the event several years ago after the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce stepped away — and our mission has been simple: keep it local, fun, and free for the people of Seguin. While we proudly celebrate our freedoms as Americans, Freedom Fiesta is also a celebration of our community — the people, the families, and the spirit that make Seguin such a great place to
live, work, and play.”
Attendees are encouraged to come on down to Seguin Central Park on July 5 for this year’s event, which will take place the Saturday after the 4th of July. While it’s not mandatory a few things can help make your time at Freedom Fiesta more comfortable such as folding chairs or picnic blankets, but at the end of the day showing up is all that’s required for the free party.
“Just bring yourself and a healthy appetite for food and fun,” Dunn said. “We want everyone to dance, shop, eat, and enjoy all that the night has to offer. While Freedom Fiesta is a free event, it’s made possible thanks to the support of our amazing sponsors. Come early, stay late, and soak in the celebration. The party runs from 6 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, in Central Park and around the Courthouse Square.”
Small Parade with a Big Heart!
Story by Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
by Lizz Daniels
For more than 15 years, the sidewalks around Central Park in downtown Seguin have welcomed a heartwarming tradition that helps to kick off the KWED Freedom Fiesta, one of the city’s Fourth of July celebrations. While it may not be the longest parade or boast the largest floats, the annual Kiddie Parade does carry a spirit of patriotism and community that rivals any major event. And on Saturday, June 5 at 6 p.m., that tradition will proudly continue.
It all began back in 2008, when the Guadalupe County Republican Women, long-time participants in Seguin’s Freedom Fiesta through their iconic hamburger booth, were looking for a new way to celebrate Independence Day. Coordinator Kelly Follis says what started as a simple idea between friends soon blossomed into something special.
“I started gathering feedback from people, including Mary Jo Langford (Filip at the time) who was the Seguin Main Street Director. All she had to say was, ‘I’ve always wanted to see a kiddie parade on the Fourth.’ I knew it was a winning idea. We decided to find someone to dress as Uncle Sam and
lead a little parade of kids around Central Park. Our first Uncle Sam was Don Richey (former GRMC CEO). He couldn’t do it the next year, so we started asking our elected officials. Our most frequent Uncle Sam has been former State Representative John Kuempel. He was a great sport for so many years. Last year was the first time we ‘deputized’ Sheriff Joshua Ray as Uncle Sam. We are honored that he’s agreed to lead the parade again this year! When we started this event, my children were little. My youngest, a 2025 college graduate, was on a tricycle. At first, we operated this event independently, but for many years, KWED has allowed our event to kick off the Freedom Fiesta and we’ve happily called it home ever since,” Follis said.
The charm of the Kiddie Parade lies in its simplicity and sincerity. Follis says there are no professional floats, no marching bands — just kids showing off their stars-and-stripes pride, often joined by parents and grandparents. Over the years, she says entries have ranged from patriotic toddlers in strollers to elaborate red-white-and-blue decked tricycles and battery-powered minivehicles.
Photos
“The Kiddie Parade is the only Independence Day celebration exclusively for children. The kids are so amazingly proud to show off their love of country and the parents enjoy showing off their kids,” Follis said.
Follis says this year, participants will be judged by three very special VIPs – VIPs who are all actual judges. She says District Judges Heather Wright and Jessica Crawford, along with County Court at Law No. 2 Judge Kirsten Legore, will select the most creative and fun expressions of patriotism across three categories: Walkers (including those in strollers), Self-Propelled Riders (bikes and scooters), and Motorized vehicles. While the parade isn’t about winning, fun prizes will be handed out by Seguin Mayor Donna Dodgen and Guadalupe County Judge Kyle Kutscher at the end of the event.
But beyond ribbons and prizes, Follis says the true reward of the Kiddie Parade lies in the memories it creates.
“The audience is the most fortunate, though. This event is a way to come together to kick off one of our most iconic downtown celebrations and connect with the community. It’s a free event that won’t take a whole lot of time but will make memories that your family will cherish,” Follis said.
Follis says organizers always do what they can to ensure families, especially the children stay cool. She says not only does Central Park
provide shade but also a festive atmosphere that often distracts folks from that hot Texas heat.
“We started small, built up to around 80 kids, but in recent years have slipped a bit. I believe part of the problem has been the excessive heat. We keep the kids out of the sun most of the evening and everyone who comes out has a great time despite the heat,” said Follis said.
To help recruit even more participants, Seguin Radio KWED will be incentivizing folks to enter this year’s free Kiddie Parade by giving each participant a chance to win a grand prize. The prize is being donated this year by The Law Office of Ruben James Reyes.
“We sincerely thank Reyes for his generous support of this year’s grand prize. He recognizes how special the family aspect of Freedom Fiesta is, and we’re thrilled to add some extra excitement by giving every Kiddie Parade participant a chance to win. We can’t wait to reveal the prize soon on the air!” KWED Radio said.
Following the Kiddie Parade, families can enjoy the broader Freedom Fiesta celebration — a night filled with food, live music, and community celebration. Adding to the festivities is this year’s theme “Glow Up” an opportunity to wear your glow stick accessories or other lighted items for a night of fun and celebration.
To promote your event on this page contact advertising at 830-379-2234 or email communitycalendar@kwed1580.com
Featured Events
SAYLA
The Seguin Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 20th Annual Seguin Area Youth Leadership Academy (SAYLA) from June 22-27, 2025. This program is open to Guadalupe County students entering their junior or senior year, providing teambuilding activities, personal development, daily tours, and community service opportunities. A mandatory overnight stay is required for one night only on June 22, 2025. Applications are available now, with a deadline of March 20, 2025. For more information, contact the Seguin Chamber at (830) 379-6382 or cofc@seguinchamber.com.
June 14-19
Veteran’s Art Show
The Seguin Art League will be hosting the Red, White and Blue Honoring Veterans Art Show, accepting artwork from 10:00 AM to noon on June 14 at the Seguin Art League, 104 S. Austin. The show is open to both member and non-member veterans and will run through July 19. A prospectus is available at seguinartleague.com or at the gallery. For more information, call 830-305-0472.
June 28
Build for Better Bash
June 24
STEM Camp
The Science Mill will be hosting Science Mill Summer STEM Immersion (SCI) Camp at 9 a.m. on June 24 at San Marcos CISD. This nocost STEM camp is open to students in grades 3–12 and features a week of interactive projects that develop skills in science, technology, engineering, and math through an “apocalypse”themed scenario.
Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio & Guadalupe Valley invites the community to the 2nd Annual Build for Better Bash on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Texas Lutheran University – Seguin Hall Parking Lot (1000 W Court St, Seguin, TX 78155). Join us for a community wall build to support local families in need.
June 25-27
ICA Convention
The Independent Cattlemen’s Association of Texas will be hosting its 51st Annual ICA Convention and Trade Show from June 25 to 27 at the Embassy Suites in San Marcos, where newly appointed President Greg Seidenberger will be in attendance. A native of Seguin, Seidenberger is a Vietnam veteran, retired U.S. Air Force and American Airlines pilot, and former Guadalupe County Commissioner. Attendees are invited to meet and visit with President Seidenberger during the event.
July 4
Parade
The City of Seguin will be hosting the 2025 Biggest Small-Town 4th of July Parade at 10 a.m. on July 4 on Austin Street. The parade will feature over 100 entries and is expected to draw more than 10,000 attendees. Parade-goers are reminded not to place chairs or items along the route sidewalks until the morning of the event. Additional details and a map of the parade route can be found at https://storymaps.arcgis.com/ stories/914da2149dde4a17a4ec8b88e2c1fc55.
Clint Taft and the Buckwild Band last performed at Freedom Fiesta in 2021. Playing a variety of country hits, they kept event goers dancing all night long.
Freedom Fiesta’s Musical Father/Son Duo
Story by Chris Austin
ClintTaft and the Buckwild Band will take the stage at the year's Freedom Fiesta at Central Park in downtown Seguin on Saturday, July 5th. Clint and his band have been entertaining crowds around the area for 19 years. Around a year ago, Clint's son Colton joined the band. Colton is 17 years old and will be an incoming senior this fall at Seguin High School. Like his dad, Colton plays guitar and sings in the band. We recently had a chance to catch up with both Colton and Clint to talk about the band and their upcoming concert at Freedom Fiesta.
Q: How did you both start working together musically and what was that experience like when you first started playing together?
Clint: Well it was really neat. I don't know if I'm a very good teacher (laughs). So it was actually what, during Covid?
Colton: Yeah.
Clint: He would stay home and school was out and he was doing school from home and that's when he really got into it. And didn't you use all kinds of apps?
Colton: Yeah, I learned a lot online.
Clint: I wouldn't say it was me, it was more him (laughs).
Q: So being in the band together, what's it like balancing the father/son relationship while being bandmates at the same time?
Clint: Oh, I'll play for a little bit and then he will. I love it. He used to get up and sing when he was 4 or 5. So, it's come full circle. It's pretty neat.
Q: Bands sometimes have disagreements. Do you guys ever have disagreements as father and son in the band?
Colton: No.
Clint: No, I don't think so (both laugh).
Q: How do you describe the band's sound?
Clint: I like to call us a country-variety band. We play predominately country music, but we do a lot of other off-the-wall rock things and other types of music. I guess a dance hall band would be more of a proper term for it.
Q: To take that a little further when you're up on stage at Freedom Fiesta, what can people expect to see and do you have any special songs or surprises planned?
Clint: I don't know if we have any surprises. We'll do our thing, just what people know us to do. Colton is learning a lot of new stuff and bringing that to the band which is more, I guess, for the younger folks.
Q: Do you guys venture outside of country, especially you Colton with the younger crowd?
Colton: Honestly not really. I don't listen too much outside of country music. Kinda like my dad, (I listen) to rock too.
Clint: The younger people seem to like traditional country more. It's kind of fascinating. But we play rock and Motown stuff, and either myself or we have
two other guys in the band who will sing. They do that kind of stuff. They have more rock influences.
Q: Do you write original music together or do you focus more on covers?
Clint: We're mainly a cover band. I have originals, but I don't really consider myself a good songwriter. So, I stick with what resonates with folks more and we just mainly do covers.
Q: What about the local music scene here in Seguin. Do they support you and do you guys have any local acts that you like?
Clint: So, with me coming up when I was younger there were a lot of musicians that helped me along. And I'll always remember that and I'll always be grateful to them. They gave me somewhere to sing when nobody else really would and that really helped me get going. Fruit Balderas is one. He has a band called Rio. And then Clark Grein and Two-Way Street, he was very supportive of me.
Q: After Freedom Fiesta, what's next for the band? Do you have any upcoming projects or shows?
Clint: So, we'll be at the Guadalupe County Fair this year. That and Freedom Fiesta are the two big ones for this year. We also do a lot of private events and corporate events. And we play some honky-tonks although Colton doesn't play at those.
Q: For those who haven't seen the Buckwild Band before, what do you want them to know about your live show?
Clint: I want them to come and know that they're gonna have a great time. We really enjoy what we do. And everybody needs to be ready to dance!
Q: Finally let me ask both of you individually, what does it mean for you to be performing in your hometown at Freedom Fiesta?
Clint: For me, there's nothing better than performing for friends and family and the community that I love. That means a lot to me. Seguin around the 4th of July is probably one of the best places for family events anywhere. And I always enjoy that and I look forward to all of that every year. It means a lot to me to perform in front of my community.
Colton: In general I just love playing live, but also playing in front of friends and family is great. I also like the backdrop of downtown. I think it's pretty cool being in Central Park and right by the fountain too. It's gonna be pretty neat.
