Fun in the Fort: July 2019

When you think about the 4th of July in America, what celebratory decorations and activities come to mind?

When I was growing up, my parents would often drive to the Texas Panhandle with my sister and me to the small, quaint town of Clarendon to visit my grandparents and extended family.  Some of my fondest memories are of all of us gathered together for a huge spread of some of the best barbecue, potato salad, baked beans, and cold, juicy watermelon you have ever tasted!  After lunch, we would also sit along the town’s square to watch the annual 4th of July parade, which included LOTS of local cowboys and cowgirls riding their horses, kids being pulled by their parents in little red wagons with streamers, vintage cars decked out in American-themed flair, and a few old tractors pulling trailers with locals in the back throwing candy to the spectators. It was simple, but perfect!  I certainly can’t leave out my very favorite part about the 4th celebrations (drum roll please… ) THE FIREWORKS!  For me, and maybe you feel the same, fireworks allow me a little moment in the chaos of life, where you can just sit and be mesmerized by the glow, color, magnificent “BOOM!”, and crackle of them all.  It’s kind of the same feeling I get when I stare at a campfire, the ocean, or a sunset (without the BOOM part, of course!)

Fort Worth has several jaw-dropping, family-friendly 4th of July fireworks shows for you this summer!  So get ready to grab a picnic basket, blanket, and your favorite people to enjoy what The Fort has to offer.  I have compiled a few options for you here:

Panther Island is hosting a 4th of July event that goes from 2pm until after the fireworks show, which starts at 10pm!  General admission is FREE, and they have a whole list of activities that day on their website.  Visit Fort Worth’s Fourth for more information.

July 4th, our very own Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra has an incredible night of music and fireworks to enjoy on the 4th.  For details, visit:  Old-Fashioned Family Fireworks Picnic .

What else is going on in The Fort this month besides fireworks displays??

Well, for starters, Wine Down Wednesdays at REI !  As a fitness enthusiast, I never want to overlook an opportunity to offer opportunities for my community to stay active and healthy.  Grab a yoga mat and head to the Grove at Waterside with staff from REI to lead yoga classes for the whole family!  Kids under 13 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Sundance Square Movie Nights is still taking place all month long with an exciting line-up of family-friendly shows:  “Crazy Rich Asians”, Dr. Suess’ “The Grinch”,  and “Mama Mia, Here We Go Again”.  Click the link for more details.

Every Saturday from July 6th-August 10th, the Trinity River is utilized for Rockin’ the River with live music and tubing.  It is referred to as the “all-day party with atti-tube”!  (that’s a good one, guys.)  You can float up to Texas’ only waterfront stage or hang out on the shore!  There will be 30 bands over 6 weeks and a fireworks show as the finale!  Check out their website in the link provided.

Did you know that this month marks the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 landing on the moon?  The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is honoring this incredible expedition the whole month of July.  Bring your family for inspirational and educational experience of all that took place during this historic time.  A list of exhibits and movies honoring Apollo 11 can be found here .

It’s getting hotter, friends, and the need to find of source of water to cool off is becoming even more desperate for me and my family!  Yes, that sounds a bit dramatic, but here’s a FREE way your family can cool off quick as the temperatures rise.  The Water Fountains in the Sundance Square have specific times during the week you can come splash and play!  Clothes that can get soaked are required, rather than bathing suits for this water party.  See the link for days and times you can come splash away!

In Philadelphia, 13 rockets were fired on July 4, 1777 to recognize the independence of the 13 colonies.  This set the trend for fireworks displays each year. However you choose to celebrate our freedom this month, have fun, love well, be safe, and remember the sacrifice that was made for us all.  Let Freedom Ring!

Happy 4th, Fort Worth!

Patriotically Yours,

Jennifer

Jennifer Kieta is a native Texan, born and raised in Houston. She graduated from Texas Tech University and has lived in Fort Worth since 1996. Jennifer worked as a Child Life Specialist at Cook Children’s Medical Center for 9 years before becoming a full-time mommy to her two daughters. In the fall of 2014, Jennifer started training and soon became a spin instructor for Zyn22, a boutique spin studio here in Fort Worth. Her love of and belief in taking care of your mind, soul, and body has always been a priority, and she looks forward to sharing that love with her community!