Independence Day Parade (Arlington) News Release
Monday, June 28th, 2010It is once again time to celebrate the creation of our nation with Arlington’s 45th Annual Independence Day Parade, which is scheduled for Saturday, July 3, 2010. The parade start time is 9 a.m., and the parade route will be closed to all other traffic at 7:30 a.m.
Ongoing construction in the area has caused some changes to parking and viewing areas for this year’s parade. Spectators will not be allowed to set up chairs and stand on the east side of Pecan Street adjacent to the construction fence, and one parking lot east of Pecan Street has been closed. As a result, allow yourself additional time to find a parking location. Please, do not park at apartment complexes in the area, and check for any displayed signs alerting you that the private business will tow illegally parked vehicles. We want to make sure your car is still there when you prepare to leave the celebration.
The University of Texas at Arlington has been gracious enough to make parking throughout their campus available to people planning to attend. The color-coded map below shows available free parking lots, a pay-to-park garage and the parade route.
This year’s parade will begin at West and Mitchell streets before turning north onto Pecan Street. From there it will go west on UTA Boulevard and then north on West Street and east onto Abram Street. The route will turn south at Center Street, west on Mitchell Street to Pecan Street and conclude near Doug Russell Road.
Steak and Stetsons party promises Texas-size night of fun
Saturday, June 26th, 2010An excerpt from a post appearing in the Star-Telegram:
Three generations. A tradition of Scouting in Arlington’s Hellier family is unmistakable, with three generations of Eagle Scouts in their ranks. Dr. Thomas Hellier Jr. became an Eagle Scout in 1944; son Clark Hellier followed suit in 1972; and grandson Kyle did so in 2008. The trio will be the grand marshals in this year’s Independence Day parade in Arlington.
Even though Thomas Hellier completed his Eagle requirements in 1944, his scoutmaster was called to duty for World War II before processing Hellier’s paperwork. The scoutmaster died while in the service, and it wasn’t until last year that the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts belatedly bestowed Hellier’s Eagle rank, retroactive to his 18th birthday in 1946.
Arlington’s parade is July 3 this year because the Fourth falls on a Sunday. “We have invited Scout units throughout North Central Texas to participate in the pre-parade presentation of colors and singing of our national anthem. It will be great practice too for Scouts participating in their upcoming Washington, D.C., centennial event,” 4th of July Association President June Owens said. For details about the parade, visit www.arlington4th.org.
You can read the full article here.
Chat up authors and get their books at Arlington library event
Friday, May 21st, 2010This is an excerpt from an article dated May 13, 2010 in the Star-Telegram
July 3 is Fourth of July Parade. Reserve July 3 for the big Arlington parade this year since the holiday falls on a Sunday. Association President June Owens reports that late entries can be accepted until June 1 (a late fee of $25 will be charged in addition to the $25 entry fee). She adds, “We are working with the Boy Scouts in honor of their 100th birthday and inviting Scout groups all across North Texas to join the pre-parade singing of the national anthem. Our grand marshals are three generations of Eagle Scouts, which fits perfectly with our theme: ‘America — Yesterday, Today, and Forever.’” www.arlington4th.org, 817-303-5700.
Read the full article here.
Arlington To Recognize Scout Centennial
Friday, April 23rd, 2010The Arlington 4th of July Association today announced plans to recognize the local current and past adult and youth members of the Boy Scouts of America on the occasion of their 100th year anniversary celebration.
Parade Association spokesperson June Owens, in making the announcement, said “It is appropriate in keeping with this year’s parade theme ‘America: Yesterday, Today and Forever’ that we pay special tribute to the Scouts. They have participated in every Arlington 4th of July parade since its inception 45 years ago.”
The 45th Annual Independence Day Parade will begin at 9:00 AM on July 3 this year because the 4th falls on a Sunday.
“We are extending invitations to all of the Scout Units throughout North Central Texas to participate in the pre-parade presentation of colors and singing of our National Anthem. It will be great practice too for scouts participating in their upcoming Washington, DC centennial event.” Owens said.
“Scouts and Scouters in uniform carrying 3X5 American and BSA Unit flags will line the center of the street throughout the parade route and present colors at 9:00 AM as the National Anthem is sung by the estimated 50,000+ parade audience.”
“Scout Unit Leaders may obtain additional information and register their unit and its’ members on-line at www.TejasDistrictColorGuard.org who are assisting in the coordination of the pre-parade activity for us.”
“All Scouts and Leaders who pre-register and participate in the pre-parade activity will receive a complimentary souvenir patch commemorating the occasion.”
“We will be making an announcement on the Public Address system inviting all current and past members of the Boy Scouts to step to the center of the street as well for the National Anthem” Owens said. “So dig out those old uniforms and join us for this special celebration.” she concluded.
Arlington’s Independence Day Parade is recognized as one of the largest in the State of Texas and is recognized nationally. Its’ volunteer organizers combine City of Arlington and local support to promote this true, old fashioned community and family oriented parade where citizens may demonstrate patriotism in celebrating the USA’s Independence. For additional information and to get involved visit the official website at www.arlington4th.org.
Contact: Dr C W Spencer - (817) 446-4327
Entry Fee to be Charged for Arlington, Tx’s July Fourth Parade
Wednesday, March 17th, 2010Because of a dramatic drop in donations, participants in the 45th annual Independence Day parade will be charged a $25 entry fee for the first time.
The Arlington 4th of July Association, which usually has a $20,000 budget, is short about $10,000, association president June Owens said. This year’s parade, with the theme America: Yesterday, Today and Forever, is set for 9 a.m. July 3 in downtown Arlington, followed by a fireworks show after dark.
“We’ve lost several of our longtime sponsors. Consequently, we’re broke,” Owens said. But, she said, “The parade must go on.”
The association is seeking additional sponsors and donations for the parade, which in the past has had 150 entries. Some items that used to be donated, such as trophies and the small American flags given away to spectators, now must be purchased by the nonprofit association.
Owens said she doesn’t expect the new fee to affect the number of entries.
“I don’t think $25 is going to be enough to turn people away,” she said, adding that parade organizers in other cities charge entry fees. “The fact that we have never charged before is pretty exemplary. It’s really killing us to have to do it.”
The organization hopes that charging a fee will last only a couple of years.
“Then we can go back to being free,” Owens said.
This year’s parade is dedicated to America’s youth and will incorporate the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America, she said.
After the parade, the city’s second annual Light Up Arlington festival will begin downtown with music, vendors, food and fireworks. Country singer Melissa Lawson is scheduled to sing at 8 p.m. in a free concert at the Levitt Pavilion, across from City Hall.
Via: Star-Telegram
2010 Parade Announcement
Friday, January 1st, 2010Arlington Independence Day Parade is Saturday, July 3
State’s Largest 4th of July Celebration begins at 9 a.m. in downtown Arlington.
WHO: Arlington, Texas
WHAT: 44th Annual Independence Day Parade
WHEN: 9 a.m. Saturday, July 3
WHERE: Downtown Arlington
The 2-mile parade route begins at the intersection of Mitchell and Pecan streets, proceeds north on Pecan Street, west on UTA Boulevard, north on West Street, east on Abram Street, south on Center Street and west on Mitchell Street. The parade ends at the point of origin at the Mitchell and Pecan Street intersection. Note: Parking is not allowed on any street along the parade route.
WHY: Independence Day honors the birthday of the United States of America and the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It is a day of picnics and patriotic parades and a night of concerts and fireworks. It is a reason to fly the American flag.
About the Parade
This year’s theme is “America: Yesterday; Today; and Forever” and is dedicated to The Youth of America. More than 50,000 spectators are expected to attend. The parade has more than 3,000 participants and 130 entries, which include marching bands, drill teams, antique automobiles, unicycle-riding clowns and more. Civic leader Ruthe Jackson is the parade grand marshal.
The Arlington Independence Day Parade will be re-brodacast on AISD-TV Cable Channel 98 on July 5 and 6 at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and July 9, 12 and 13 at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Watch the live webcast.
The parade is organized by the Arlington Fourth of July Association, a nonprofit organization staffed by community volunteers. The directors are Robert Miles and Dee Shilling.
For more information about the Arlington Independence Day Parade, see the attached Fact Sheet or visit the Arlington Fourth of July Parade Association
“America: Yesterday; Today; and Forever”
45th Annual Arlington Independence Day Parade
By The Numbers
- 45 - The Arlington Independence Day Parade is in its 45th year of celebrating the birthday of the United States of America and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The parade start time is 9 a.m. Saturday, July 3, in downtown Arlington. The theme is “America: Yesterday; Today; and Forever” In case of rain, the start time will be delayed one hour.
- 50,000 - The Arlington parade is the largest in the state. The annual event attracts an estimated 50,000 spectators. Spectators are encouraged to bring folding chairs, drinking water, arrive early and wear sunscreen. The two-mile parade route begins at the intersection of Mitchell and Pecan streets, proceeds north on Pecan Street, west on UTA Boulevard, north on West Street, east on Abram Street, south on Center Street, west on Mitchell Street and ends at the point of origin at the Mitchell and Pecan Street intersection.
- 15,000 - Prior to the start of the parade, 15,000 U.S. flags will be distributed to children along the route.
- 3,000 - The parade has more 3,000 participates and 130 entries, which include area high school bands, drill teams, antique vehicles and decorative floats.
Other Interesting Facts
- The parade grand marshal is Ruthe Jackson, a long-time Arlington Independence Day Parade volunteer and judge. She served Grand Prairie and neighboring communities as city council member, business leader, PTA leader, church member, school board member, historian, and member of more than 30 philanthropic organizations.
- No parking will be allowed along streets on the parade route. Additional parking will be available at UT-Arlington Maverick Stadium at 1307 W. Mitchell St with shuttle transportation into downtown Arlington.
- The Arlington Independence Day Parade will be re-brodacast on AISD-TV Cable Channel 98 on July 5 and 6 at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and July 9, 12 and 13 at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Watch the live webcast.
- For more information about the Arlington Independence Day Parade, visit City Of Arlington, TX or Arlington’s 4th Of July Association websites.
2004 Grand Marshall Honoree
Friday, May 21st, 2004STAR-TELEGRAM ARCHIVES
Dean Corey, who died in 2001, will be honored at the Fourth of July Parade this year. His wife, Becky Corey, and Jane Ellis will be the grand marshals.
Fourth of July Parade grand marshals set.
By Angie Summers
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
ARLINGTON – Two residents with a history of musical contributions in the community will lead the Independence Day parade as grand marshals.
Jane Ellis and Becky Corey were named grand marshals last night during an Arlington Fourth of July Parade Association meeting at the George W. Hawkes Central Library.
The 39th annual Fourth of July Parade, with a theme of “Of Thee We Sing,” is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. July 3 in downtown Arlington.
“Our grand marshals are two people who dedicated a large portion of their life to music in our community,” said Brett Bell, association president. “We choose people each year who reflect the dedication of our theme.”
Ellis started her education career as an elementary school music teacher before moving to Arlington in 1949. Because there weren’t enough choir students for a full-time director, she also had to teach physical education. She directed the Arlington High School Choraliers for 25 years before becoming a vice principal at Bowie High School in 1975. Ellis Elementary School, which opened in 1989, is named in her honor.
“It’s a wonderful honor. What is so splendid is that Arlington, itself, has been so supportive of a musical program that started with just one high school,” Ellis said. “Every school is now filled with talented children who have knowledge and appreciation for something so beautiful.”
Corey will represent her husband, Dean Corey, who died in September 2001 at the age of 83. Dean Corey, a Cincinnati native, came to the district in 1949 and retired in 1980 after serving 23 years as Arlington High School band director and eight years as the district’s first coordinator of music education. Corey Elementary School, which opened in 1984, is named in his honor.
“I’m so proud to represent Dean. He was always so interested in the parade,” Becky Corey said. “He always rode in the school district’s parade entry until they passed City Hall. He would then get out, take his flute and join the Arlington Community Band to perform with them. He loved to be with musicians. It was the joy of his life.”
Last year, the parade had 150 entries with more than 4,000 participants and drew 40,000 spectators. It is funded by private money raised by parade organizers.
This year’s winning T-shirt design was created by Sam Houston High School student Joshua Perez. The T-shirts, which will cost from $5 for small T-shirts to $12 for extra-large ones, are available by calling (817) 561-2924 or sending e-mail to texfalls@comcast.net. They will also be available during the association’s next meeting, scheduled at 7 p.m. June 9 at George W. Hawkes Central Library, 101 E. Abram St.
For more information about the parade, call (817) 303-5700.
ONLINE: Parade participants, sponsors, the route and other information are available at arlington4th.org.
Angie Summers, (817) 548-5405