Rusk set to celebrate July 4th

Skyview-Hodge inmates install red, white and blue bunting in preparation for the Rusk annual July 4 celebration. A little slice of Americana is set to make its way to Rusk this weekend with 4th of July activities occurring across Rusk.

The July 4 weekend kicks off Friday afternoon, when Texas National Bank holds its eighth annual Hot Dog and 4th of July celebration at its Rusk branch at 484 N. Main. A drawing will be held for a gas grill, and entries are still being accepted until Friday at 3 p,m.

First Friday activities in Rusk will include a Salute to Vets on the Square from 5-8 p.m.. The event is dedicated to all veterans, whether they served during peacetime or

wartime and is designed to recognize and appreciate the service of veterans to the United States.

There will be live and recorded music and any individual with reflections or memories of their service will be allowed to share them. Everyone is invited to bring food, nonalcoholic drinks, tables and chairs.

Artifacts from various wars will be showcased by the Cherokee County Heritage Center and Tom Townsend's Toyland will provide armed forces vehicles.

A June 4, 2008 file photo shows the Spit and Whittle Club just after the gazebo was built on the courthouse lawn. It will be dedicated in memory of Cherokee County's veterans July 4. From left are Charles Henry Jones, Don Jones, George Robert Holcomb and Jack Quinn. In back are David Murray, Mike Crysup, Johnny Blank and Thomas Parsons. Ike Frazer is not pictured. On Saturday, festivities will kick off with the Rusk Rotary Club's 4th of July "Patriotism on Parade" celebration on the Square. The event will start at 10 a.m. with the opening ceremonies, followed by the parade itself.

The grand marshal of the event is Gene Mahan, a former Marine who served in World War II when he was 15 and also served in the Korean war.

Mr. Mahan earned five Purple Hearts, two Bronze Star medals for heroic and meritorious achievement and the Silver Star Medal for gallantry.

Leading the parade will be the Patriot Guard Riders, a group of motorcyclists who are also veterans from across the state.

Throughout the day, an antique car show and the 2nd annual Gauge Lankford Fireman's Competition will be held.

The car show, sponsored by Bill McRae Ford, will award trophies for street rods; vehicles from 1930 and before as well as each decade from 1940-1980; pre- and post- World War II trucks; best of show; mayor's choice; sheriff 's choice; chief of police award and county judge award.

There will also be live gospel and patriotic music on the steps of the Cherokee County Courthouse as well as food and games as well as a water slide for kids.

The gazebo located on the courthouse lawn will be dedicated to the memory of Cherokee County veterans, receiving the name "Veterans Memorial Gazebo."

A plaque will be unveiled by District Judge Bascom Bentley near the gazebo commemorating the dedication.

After the parade, the Rusk Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 69 S. and Fourth Street, will hold an open house until 4 p.m. Free watermelon, root beer and hot dogs will be served.

The night will end with a fireworks display on Lake Jacksonville at 9:15 p.m.

The two-day event is sponsored by Bill McRae Ford in Jacksonville.

For more information, contact Roy Reynolds, Rotary Club president at (903) 683- 1947, or go to www.ruskrotary. org.