As I drive home thru the hills surrounding Lake Texoma, I see cars, boats and jet skis parked in driveways that are normally empty and lights on in homes that are normally dark during the week. Thousands of folks are beginning to flock to Lake Texoma to celebrate the 4th of July – one of the biggest party weekends of the year on the lake. They are taking advantage of the holiday falling on Friday and coming up early to get their weekend vacation homes ready for family and friends.
Along the highways leading into the Lake Texoma area firework stands are sprucing things up a bit, campers have pulled up beside the stands and owners are preparing for the biggest sales days of the year. As they have for the past few years, North Forty Cycle Park will be open for those who want to shoot off their own fireworks beginning at noon on July 4th.
Meanwhile, parking lots at area resorts, marinas and privately owned vacation rentals are filling up too. Boat owners are busy polishing things up, preparing for their guest and a weekend of boating activities. Anglers are scanning fishing reports, lake levels and weather forecast in preparation for fishing trips in hopes of landing the “trophy” catch for their walls or enough box fish to be released into grease at the family reunion.
Lake Texoma Campgrounds are getting pretty busy too, with RV’s and campers pulling in from all over the country. A lot of effort has gone into clearing the trails at Platter Flats, so the equestrian areas are ready for July 4th trail rides. A new 6 mile trail (12 miles total) has just been cleared.
with local favorite bands Whiskey Meyers and Damn Quails! Grandpappy Marina is sponsoring JB and the Moonshine Boys with special guest Sam Riggs and the Night People, at the Pavilion. Grammy award winning Texas Gypsies will be entertaining before the fireworks show in Sherman. Denison will continue its traditional fireworks show with a community picnic at Forest Park before the show. Live music will begin at 8:30 p.m. and feature Forty Dead Men from Austin performing. Munsun Stadium is under consturction but the public can watch the fireworks show from many areas of downtown and in Heritage and Forest Parks.
Point Vista and Highport Marina will again host their on-the-water fireworks shows – accessible by water or by land. The Compass Rose will have a Fireworks Sail and the Island Girl will have a Fireworks Cruise – now that may just be the best way ever to watch the fireworks!
PVES will be holding a whole pig roast fundraiser and July 4th celebration with tons of activities for the kids. The Whitesboro Riding Club will sponsor its 56th Annual July 4th Rodeo with fireworks on Friday and the crowing of the Rodeo Queen on Saturday. Rocky & the Bullwinkles will be performing at Little Mineral Resort. DJ Jess and the Party Machine will be performing before and after the fireworks show at the Island Bar & Grill at Highport Marina.
The Grayson County Motor Speedway will be holding its annual Firecracker 400 races with IMCA Modifieds (Sanctioned both nights with IMCA points awarded), Sportmods (non sanctioned) and Hot Stocks.
Whew! That is one big party! You can find dates, times, locations and maps for all of the July 4th events on Lake Texoma July 4th Events
We welcome all the visitors to Lake Texoma! We are glad you are here and hope you have a happy and safe visit. The lake level is a little lower so just be alert. If alcohol is part of your celebrations, please designate a driver because the authorities will have a sharp eye out for DWI and BWI incidents, and don’t forget to drain, clean and dry your boat when you leave.
Happy 4th of July – Lake Texoma style!
