Celebrate Independence in Caldwell County

Across Caldwell County on Friday, residents will gather to celebrate independence, patriotism and apple pie – all the things that make America great.
Fourth of July festivities will start early Friday morning in Martindale, where residents will gather for the annual Fourth of July Community Parade. Beginning at 10 a.m., a line of cars and trucks, tractors and trailer

s, bicycles and walkers will wind through downtown Martindale, bedecked in red, white and blue. The long-standing parade tradition is a nod to what Martindale residents think of as “sweet memories of a simpler life.”
Though parade attendants and participants will not find fancy floats covered with flowers, they will find “a town filled with American pride.”
After the parade, head to Lockhart City Park, where city staff will have the Lockhart City Pool open from noon – 6 p.m. for a “Free Swim Day.”
Later, around 4 p.m., a variety of food, arts and crafts vendors will be on hand, along with families, barbecue pits and picnic blankets for the Lockhart Chamber of Commerce’s annual Fourth of July Family Picnic.
As in years past, the public is invited to gather, free of charge, and enjoy music, community and food while waiting for the afternoon’s grand finale, skydivers from Skydive San Marcos presenting the flags of the State of Texas and the United States of America, immediately before a fireworks show set to the music provided by Broken Fences.
For those with more rural tendencies, the residents of Dale have also planned Fourth of July festivities, which start with the Tractor Parade line-up at 7 p.m. Wash up those tractors, tack on a flag and come line up at the T-Bar Ranch on FM 1854. Or, if you prefer, take your children to the Kiddie Parade, which will line up at the Volunteer Fire Department at 7:30 p.m.
After both Dale parades, a semi-professional fireworks show will be held at the Dale Community Center at sundown.
Fourth of July events throughout Caldwell County are provided free of charge through the gracious donations of individual and business sponsors. To help with these events, contact the City of Martindale, the Lockhart Chamber of Commerce, or the KQ Grocery in Dale.
In whatever manner you choose to celebrate America’s independence, have a happy and safe Fourth of July!