Cherokee County Wishes America a Happy 250th Birthday

As the nation approaches its 250th birthday, Cherokee County has a wide variety of events prepared for those who wish to commemorate the country’s independence. 

After enduring oppressive taxes and restrictions set forth by Britian’s tyrannical rule, there was no choice but to declare freedom from the monarchy. Thomas Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, which announced the separation of the American Colonies from Great Britian and stated that all individuals possess unalienable rights that the monarchy had blatantly disregarded. 

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted Jefferson’s declaration, with revisions by John Adams and Benjamin Frankin, solidifying the separation from the colonies and further enforcing our independence. 

Since then, July 4 has symbolized the Founding Fathers’ bravery and the birth of the United States of America itself. This annual celebration is alive and well in Cherokee County as the preparation for Independence Day festivities continue. 

On Saturday, July 4, in downtown Rusk, the Thomas Jefferson Rusk Rotary Club will host its annual Hometown Celebration beginning 9:30 a.m. on the square. The event will include a 4th of July Parade, followed by a tricycle race at 10 a.m. for children in K-5th grade, and the Gauge Lankford Memorial Firemen’s Competition. 

Also on Saturday, Rusk’s Branded by Christ Cowboy Church will host a Rough Ride and Blues Rodeo with other festivities like axe-throwing, waterslides and fireworks, along with participation from various vendors. The Traveling Vietnam Wall and Cost of Freedom Tribute will be on display at the church beginning 11 a.m. Friday, July 3, as a part of the church’s weekend events at 5592 Texas Highway 110 N.

In Jacksonville, the Lake Jacksonville Association will hold a 4th of July Firework Show on Saturday starting at 9:15 pm, and earlier there will be an America 250 celebration at the park’s concession area on Byrd Road, from 6 – 9 p.m. 

The City of Jacksonville will also have a U.S flag exhibit including 48-, 49- and 50-star flags, along with this year’s 250 anniversary flag. The exhibit will be on display through the month of July at the Vanishing Texana Museum, 302 S. Bolton St. in the city’s downtown area. 

Independence festivities in Jacksonville will continue with the “Let Freedom Ring” Freedom Fest hosted by the Spirit & Understanding Inc. from 6-9 p.m. in Hazel Tilton Park, 174 E. Larissa St. As a part of the celebration, a replica of the Liberty Bell will be rung at 2 p.m. to honor the original 13 states and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

The American Freedom Museum in Bullard will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. The free events include the Sons of the American Revolution hosting a Uniformed Men of the Continental Line, a presentation of American flags flown during the Revolutionary War, and musket firing demonstrations. At 10 a.m., the 1861 Civil War Parrott Rifle Cannon will be fired, and veterans will be stationed in the war galleries from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The museum is located on The Brook Hill School campus, 1051 N. Houston St. in Bullard.

On Saturday, the J-C Cowboy Church of Cherokee County in Bullard will host a Freedom picnic from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event is open to the public. 

For the 4th, The Texas State Railroad in Palestine will celebrate America’s anniversary and 50 years as a Tourist Railroad. The Piney Woods Express Steam Excursion, which runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will consist of a historic train ride through the Piney Woods, admission to all events, and a commemorative coin. See the TSR website for ticket information. General admission begins at 3 p.m. with tickets priced at $35 Adult and $20 Child and includes live music by headliner Kolby Cooper, along with a cornhole tournament, historic displays and vendors. 

First Baptist Church in Troup will host a Community Celebration Fireworks Show beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 2, at 935 S. Railroad St. Live music will be provided by the Shiloh Worship Band.

The City of Wells celebrate Independence Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the City Park on North Homer Avenue. There will be food and a water slide for the kids, with fireworks to begin at sundown at the Wells ISD Baseball Field, 139 E. 6th St. 

On Sunday, VFW Post 3984 – 201 Memorial Drive in Jacksonville – will celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday with an afternoon of family fun, community spirit and patriotic celebration, from 1-6 pm. July 5. Free hot dogs and refreshments will be provided, along with a waterslide and kids karaoke from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

All events are open to the public.