An Enjoyable Independence Day Celebration

Approximately 300 people gathered at Heritage Park in Bryan to attend the 26th Annual Independence Day Celebration hosted by the Brazos Heritage Society.  

The program, which commenced at 9:30 AM and ended at noon, included a few remarks by Society President Nat Hilliard and an invocation by Gerald Garcia.  Members of the Sojourners raised the American and Texas flags, led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance, and then provided their toast to Old Glory, our symbol of liberty.  

Following the brief program, Proud Country, a local band, provided a variety of musical selections – from patriotic to country to popular standards – throughout the morning.  And those in attendance joined in to sing America the Beautiful and God Bless America.  

While the music played, the annual children’s parade took place; many of the children wore patriotic costumes and their bicycles and wagons were decorated in red, white, and blue.  Other activities included a silent auction, games, face painting, booths, and exhibits, including a collection of vintage automobiles.  

Exhibitors included the A&M Garden Club, Brazos Bluebonnet Quilt Guild, Brazos Spinners & Weavers Guild, and Blaine Brezina, who is working on the Heritage Park Master Plan as part of fulfilling the requirements to become an Eagle Scout.  

The Brazos Heritage Society also had a booth to distribute programs, sell books on the history of Brazos County, and recruit new members.  

Lemonade, popcorn, hot dogs, and water were sold at the old fashioned price of a quarter.  In addition, members of the Society served watermelon to those in attendance.  

Donors who helped make this celebration a success included: Academy, Barnes & Noble, Calvert Historical Society, Cavender’s Boot City, Patti Clark, Dent Magic, Der Wienerschnitzel No. 255, Dixie Chicken, Inc., The Farm Patch, Mary Frances, Friends of Calvert, Gifts & Gab, HEB No. 544, Dan & Nathalie Hilliard, Steve Miller, Millican Heritage Society, Miss Dixie, Homer & Beverly Myers, Old Bryan Marketplace, Kenneth Olexy, Saint-Gobain Norpro, Southern Grace, Stephenson Chiropractic Center, Taco Bell No. 2310, Texas Rose Boutique, and Helen Wise.  

The Smilebox below contains photographs taken during the morning’s activities.  

The Bryan-College Station Eagle provided some coverage of this event in its July 5, 2012, issue; the article may be read at: http://www.theeagle.com/article/20120705/BC0101/120709780/1142.