Small Business Alliance asks county to help keep July 4 celebration on downtown square; motion allows fireworks with insurance

Representatives of the Small Business Alliance and the Johnson City Chamber asked the Blanco County Commissioners Court on June 23 to support holding July 4 festivities on the historic downtown square for the town’s 250th-anniversary celebration.

The Small Business Alliance speaker said downtown merchants and organizers want street closures, use of a parking lot for vendors and live music, and for fireworks to be staged in a downtown lot. The speaker said Mayor Fischer had indicated city support and that organizers could meet insurance and legal timelines if the court supported the move.

Following the presentation, a resident asked the court to allow fireworks in a downtown parking lot if organizers provide the appropriate insurance and documentation. A motion was made and seconded; commissioners indicated support and the motion was carried with the requirement that insurance and necessary paperwork be submitted to county staff before the event.

No specific permit form or insurance amount was recorded in the hearing; commissioners and staff asked organizers to follow standard county processes for event approval and coordinate with the city to meet liability and schedule requirements.