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- stars. stripes
Saturday, April 20, 2024
For almost 20 years thousands of people have descended on Town Square to enjoy a family-fun, patriotic event, complete with food, music, and fireworks. The annual event is one of the largest coordinated by the City and requires the good work of numerous employees and volunteers to ensure it is fun and safe for everyone.
The exciting aspects of the event can overshadow the very important, behind-the-scenes work of some of Southlake’s most dedicated employees who provide non-public safety traffic control and staff the street barricades.
“It would be impossible to host Stars & Stripes without our park, recreation and public works employees who are stationed at important locations within the environment,” said Chris Tribble, Director of Community Services. “They are the unsung heroes of the event. We literally couldn’t do it without them.”
Working in the sweltering heat is a challenge, but turning someone away on a closed street can lead to some unpleasant encounters. The team is more than equipped to handle anything that may come up, professionally and positively.
“All of our employees do a great job ensuring that we have a super event for Independence Day, but some don’t get to do the exciting work,” said City Manager Shana Yelverton. “We’re very appreciative of those who help out in any way needed.”
For their Stars & Stripes work that may go unnoticed, members of Parks and Recreation (Community Services), Public Works and Planning & Development Services Departments have been selected as this quarter’s unsung heroes. A big thank you to them all!
Fireworks, festival activities and family fun will return to Southlake Town Square during the 18th Annual Stars and Stripes celebration on Sunday, July 3. Hosted by the City of Southlake and Southlake Town Square, the Independence Day celebration will offer free admission, live entertainment, family activities, delicious food and beverage options, and a spectacular fireworks show in honor of our country’s anniversary of freedom.
The festivities will kick-off with patriotic music starting at 6:00 p.m. on two stages in Southlake Town Square, including Rustin Pavilion and Frank Edgar Cornish, IV Park. The Southlake Community Band, Lone Star Attitude Band and Limelight Band, along with various patriotic ceremonies will entertain the crowd with live performances.
In addition to live entertainment, Stars and Stripes will offer activities for the entire family. In the Creation Station, kids of all ages will be able to create patriotic crafts. The KidZone will offer active children various exciting activities, such as inflatable obstacles, midway games and slides, and a fun toddler-centric zone. Guests can also expect to see strolling characters, candy art and balloon artists.
With nearly 20 delicious food and beverage booths and food trucks last year, visitors will have an equally tasty experience at Stars and Stripes this year.
Launched from the rooftop of the west parking garage and synchronized to patriotic favorites, fireworks will illuminate the sky at 9:30 p.m. and will be seen from nearly anywhere in Southlake Town Square. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for a comfortable viewing experience. A limited number of guests may have the opportunity to enjoy the ultimate spectator experience during The Star Experience. Tickets for the VIP treatment include a table for four people with a great view of the fireworks show and close seating to the stage featuring Limelight Band, as well as preset appetizers and bottled water. Additional details and ticket prices are now available, but hurry as reservations for this experience go fast!
Internal Southlake Town Sqaure parking will close for event setup Sunday, July 3, 2016 at 7:00 AM. All surface lots and East Garage will close once full or by 7:30 PM. All entrances into Town Square parking lots will be closed Sunday, July 3 starting at 7:30 p.m. or when full, with the exception of the entrances off of SH 114 Service Road. Parking and Shuttle services will also be available at White’s Chapel Methodist Church and Gateway Church with service to Southlake Town Square. Remember, parking and shuttle services for Southlake Stars & Stripes are FREE!
Volunteers help make events happen, and a large community event like Stars and Stripes has numerous opportunities for people who want to participate. Please contact the Community Services Department at (817) 748-8019 to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Stars & Stripes wouldn’t be possible without the tremendous sponsors that participate every year! This years’ event is no exception to that! Be sure to check out the for the 2016 Stars & Stripes event! For additional event information, including an event map, parking map and a list of FAQ’s, please visit the event website at www.StarsandStripesSouthlake.com.
The Southlake Departments of Public Safety would like to remind all Southlake residents that selling, possessing or using fireworks in the City of Southlake is illegal.
“If we find people using them we will take them away and issue a citation,” said Fire Marshal David Barnes. “DPS will have a no tolerance policy towards these violators.”
Fines for selling or using fireworks within the Southlake City limits can be as high as $2,000.
“It’s not worth the risk,” added Barnes. “Instead come and enjoy the City’s Stars and Stripes celebration on Thursday, July 3rd, it’s going to be a great event.”
Fire Chief Michael Starr says, “The best way to have fun and play it safe it to leave the fireworks to the professionals. We want to provide a safe environment for kids and their families to enjoy the holiday.”
For information on Stars and Stripes please go to the following link: http://bit.ly/1iz5zSB
Mark your calendars! Southlake Stars and Stripes is just around the corner and preparations are in full-swing for this year’s event. Stars and Stripes will be held on Thursday, July 3rd from 6:00 p.m.- 11:00 p.m. in Southlake Town Square.
Gather your family and friends and come enjoy all the activities that have become Stars and Stripes traditions. The Southlake Community Band will kick off the evening with patriotic music in Family Park at 6:00 p.m. Your spirits will be lifted throughout the night as you experience a moving patriotic ceremony, participate in traditions and come together as one to celebrate our nation. All generations will enjoy the spectacular fireworks show that incorporates music from patriotic favorites to pop hits.
Photo ops with a military humvee, new crafts and games and a variety of food trucks and concessions will keep your family entertained. For a complete list of activities and event information, please visit the event website at www.StarsandStripesSouthlake.com.
If you have questions, please contact the Community Services Department at (817) 748-8019. Check back on MySouthlakeNews.com for upcoming information regarding t-shirt sales, parking and detailed event information. We look forward to celebrating Independence Day with you!