Local Independence Day activities on tap this weekend; government offices, other closures

A slew of activities are planned across Cherokee County, as residents prepare for Independence Day 2021 with picnics, flotillas, concerts and fireworks, while some offices will close Monday, July 5 in observance of the national holiday.

On Friday, July 2, Legacy at Jacksonville will host an Independence Day Celebration with live music, barbecue and bounce house, from noon to 2 p.m. at the 810 Bellaire senior residential center. To learn more, call 903-282-1271.

Also, July 2, Troup’s celebration focuses on a fireworks display at dusk, at the First Baptist Church property, 935 S. Railroad St., hosted by the Troup Community Development Corp.

A majority of the area events are slated for Saturday, July 3:

• Rusk KOA Holiday’s celebration begins with an 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. car show, while entry deadline for a chili cook-off – with entries prepared at home or on site – is set for noon, with judging at 1 p.m. Vendors will be on hand, with a hay ride and water wars planned throughout the day, and a closing fireworks show at dusk.

• The Cherokee County Conservative Club (previously the Republican Club) will host its annual Independence Day party and cookout, at noon at Love’s Lookout, north of Jacksonville on U.S. Highway 69. Texas Gubernatorial candidate Don Huffines is the guest speaker. The club will furnish the meat; guests are asked to bring a side dish to the event, which is open to the public.

• Blast Over Bullard, an annual Independence Day celebration, begins at 5 p.m., at Bullard High School. The event features a bike parade, food, games, music and fireworks.

• Lake Striker Resort will host an Independence Day celebration at 18560 County Road 4256 South in Reklaw. Two outdoor concerts are planned, as are fireworks and food and other vendors on hand. Gates open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person, with those 12 and younger entering free. Tickets may be purchased at the resort’s restaurant, bait store or at StubWire.com.

• The Lake Striker Homeowners Association will host a boat parade from 8 to 9 p.m.; sign-up is at 7:30 p.m at the Lake Striker Resort pier.

On Independence Day – Sunday, July 4 – Lake Jacksonville events include the annual Lake Jax Flotilla/Boat parade at 10 a.m.. Decorated boats will meet at the dam, led across lake by lake patrol boat. The traditional fireworks show on the lake begins at approximately 9:15 p.m. and will be visible from the water or by land at the concession/huts area.

Meanwhile, a number of municipal and county offices are closed Monday, July 5, including those in Alto, Bullard, Cuney, Jacksonville, Reklaw, Rusk and New Summerfield, along with Cherokee County offices.

The Cherokeean Herald newspaper offices are closed Friday, July 2.