Van Alstyne readies parade, market, concert and fireworks for Fourth of July

Van Alstyne staff members Mike and Candy said the city will host a full day of Fourth of July events on Saturday, beginning with a Liberty Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., a 10:00 a.m. parade and evening entertainment capped by fireworks at the junior high at dark, roughly 9:00 p.m.

"It's 4th of July week," Mike said, describing a lineup that includes a hometown-hero recognition, announcement of parade and decorating-contest winners, and a performance by the Dustin Perkins Band. Candy added that the American Legion purchased flags and local Boy Scouts placed them along the downtown entryway.

The city encouraged residents and businesses to enter a patriotic decoration contest; registration is open through Wednesday and judging is scheduled for Thursday. Parade entries also must register by Wednesday. The hosts said parade registration links would be posted in the Facebook comments, in the YouTube description and on cityofvanalstyne.us under "4th of July parade registration."

Organizers outlined the parade route: it will start on Williams Way (off Highway 5 by Sanford Elementary), go south on Highway 5, east on Jefferson and then north through the Central Social District Park. Viewing areas cited by the hosts include Highway 5, Jefferson, Central Social District Park and Dorothy Fielder Park. The parade is set to end at the Central Social District, where the market and the afternoon program will continue.

The concert is expected to follow the speakers, with the Dustin Perkins Band scheduled to play around 5:00 p.m.; organizers said the concert will wrap by about 7:30–8:00 p.m. to allow people to reach the junior high for fireworks, planned at dark at roughly 9:00 p.m.

Event organizers asked attendees to stay hydrated in the heat and said coolers are welcome at the concert. They also said lapel pins and pinwheels would be distributed on July 4.

"We're proud to work for Van Alstyne," Mike said, urging the community to participate in the decorations contest and the parade. Candy noted city staff might not be able to conduct on-site visits for contest entries and suggested emailing photos as an alternative.

For registration and details, organizers directed residents to cityofvanalstyne.us and the city's social-media posts. No permits, safety restrictions or public-safety advisories beyond general hydration and permitted coolers were mentioned during the announcement.