Fireworks show returns to county

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June 28, 2012

Fireworks show returns to county

Brian Smith CNHI The Weatherford Democrat Thu Jun 28, 2012, 08:00 AM CDT

HUDSON OAKS — A summer without 100-degree heat isn’t the only thing Parker County residents have been missing for a few years.

For the last few years, the county has been without a July 4 fireworks display, forcing residents, like Jason Terrazas of Weatherford, to go to Fort Worth or further for their pyrotechnic fix. “I like my fireworks but I don’t want to have any around for my kids’ safety,” Terrazas said. “All the traffic in Fort Worth can be a drag.”

Officials here are trying to alleviate that.

The city, along with the East Parker County Chamber of Commerce, will be hosting a free concert and fireworks display called Boomin 4th 2012 from 4-10 p.m. July 4 at Gene L. Voyles Park, 210 N. Lakeshore Dr., in Hudson Oaks.

Hudson Oaks City Administrator Sheri Campbell-Husband said the whole process came about nearly 10 months ago as the city was going through its comprehensive plan.

“We met with our committees and we kept hearing the desire to have more large scale events here in town,” Campbell-Husband said. “We started looking around and saw where both Weatherford and Aledo had Christmas activities. We didn’t want to pull away from other activities so we found our way to fill a niche was to have a July 4 activity.”

Early response has been very positive, but the true way to tell will be Wednesday when the crowds begin to arrive, Campbell-Husband said.

Live musical performances from River Trip, an acoustic folk/rock band; Katy Keenie, Weatherford’s own and winner of Bob Kingsley’s CT40 Future Star competition; and Chris Osborne Band, a local rock band, will keep the crowd dancing. A number of other entertainment vendors will be on hand, including face painting, a bounce house, a flight simulator and soft arrow darts.

Just after dusk and the last concert, the evening will be capped off with a 25-minute fireworks display choreographed to music.

In trying to keep the smalltown neighborly gathering, people are allowed to bring picnics but are not allowed to bring grills onsite. Lawn chairs, blankets and coolers are also permitted to the event, which is free.

For people who don’t wish to bring their own food, several food vendors will be selling food and beverages. No glass containers are allowed on site.

Pets are allowed but must be restrained on leashes or carriers so they won’t be a nuisance to anyone or bothered by loud noises, according to a press release. There will be shade and misting tent stations provided on site, but, to minimize any hazards from fireworks, attendees may not bring their own portable tents or shade structures.

There will be plenty of free parking spaces available in both “park and walk” lots and remote lots offering shuttle service. Oykey Trail will be designated as a one-way street (westbound) between Lakeshore Drive and Oakridge Drive to facilitate access to the parking lots along that road.

For a map of the parking lot locations, or more detailed information about the event, visit www.boomin4th.com.