July 4th Celebration and H-E-B Fireworks July 4, 2009

Celebrating America’s birthday and our freedom will be easy to do on Saturday, July 4th. Families are invited to participate in a fun-filled day of games, food and musical entertainment, along with dizzying starbursts and rockets' red glare in the night sky over Woodlawn Lake Park during the City’s official July Fourth Celebration. This FREE event is sponsored by the San Antonio Parks Foundation, in cooperation with the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department.

Highlight of the festivities will be the H-E-B Fireworks Extravaganza, a tradition for many who attend the celebration. “On this Independence Day, we remember those who have stood before us and sacrificed so much, so we may celebrate the freedom we all enjoy in this great nation. H-E-B is very proud to continue to support the San Antonio Parks Foundation’s Fourth of July Celebration,” said Dya Campos, Director of Public Relations for H-E-B. The H-E-B Fireworks display will be shot over beautiful Woodlawn Lake at 9:00 pm.

Everyone is encouraged to celebrate this national holiday in our own unique San Antonio way by dressing up in their finest patriotic costumes and participate in the popular Salute to the Red, White and Blue Parade, that kicks off about 11:00 a.m. Families who want to participate in the parade are asked to gather at the Woodlawn Lake Gym at the intersection of Cincinnati and Alexander at 10 a.m. Parade participants will be judged for best costume, most patriotic, best bike and best group. Everyone is invited to join in and winners will be announced on the main stage immediately following the parade.

Parks Foundation President Lila Cockrell says, “The July Fourth Celebration is one of our most popular events, and it is a day to reflect on the sacrifices others have made for the freedoms we all enjoy.” She also reminds everyone that because this is a family event there will be no alcoholic beverages served or allowed in Woodlawn Lake Park. Park Police will enforce the ban on all alcoholic beverages.

Children are sure to have a ball in the Rio San Antonio Cruises Kid’s Zone, which will feature carnival rides and games. More than 20 vendors will offer food and beverages for sale throughout the day.

Back by popular demand is the Freedom Day 4 Miler Walk & Run sponsored by the San Antonio Road Runners. Race begins at 8 a.m. and will start and finish at Woodlawn Lake Park. Experienced runners or amateur walkers can visit www.saroadrunners.com for registration information.

“The patriotic spirit of America is alive and well in the city of San Antonio. For the past nine years this community has celebrated our nation’s independence in a big way at Woodlawn Lake Park – in the heart of District 7,” said District 7 City Councilman Justin Rodriguez. “The festivities culminate in a spectacular fireworks show commencing at 9:00 p.m. We look forward to another successful event this year and invite residents from all over the city to join us for this family-friendly celebration.”

Opening ceremonies featuring city dignitaries and event sponsors will begin at noon on stage at the west end of the park. During the daytime, the best of San Antonio’s local talent will be featured, leading up to the energetic and patriotic U.S. Air Force Band of the West at 7:30 p.m., followed by the H-E-B Fireworks Extravaganza at 9:00 p.m.

For more information on the July Fourth Celebration call the Parks Foundation at (210) 212-8423.

Official Website: http://www.saparksfoundation.org/fourth_of_july.html