Ethan Buck

This year’s Independence Day is especially significant as it marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country. Communities across KETR’s listening area are celebrating with events beginning Thursday and running into the holiday weekend. Thursday, July 2 The Sam Bell Maxey House State Historic Site presents “Red, White, and Crafty” Thursday afternoon. This hands-on summer program will feature an Independence Day themed creative project, as well as sweet summer treats.

Independence Day falls on a Friday this year, and many communities across Northeast Texas are celebrating the holiday with events on Friday. Wednesday, July 2 In Quinlan, an Independence Day celebration is scheduled for Wednesday. The event will feature live music, food, games, and a fireworks show. Running from 6 p-m until 10 Wednesday at Quinlan Community Park, located at 315 Texas Business Highway 34 in Quinlan. Thursday, July 3 The City of Paris hosts its annual Fireworks Show on July 3rd.

Juneteenth, otherwise known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, honors the date that enslaved African Americans in Galveston were finally set free: June 19, 1865. Their emancipation happened nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth has been celebrated annually by Texans ever since. Thursday Sulphur Springs’ annual Juneteenth pageant will take place on Thursday, June 19th. This year’s theme is “Unmask Your Cultural Beauty”.