While fireworks will go off on July 4, daytime plans have changed. (Courtesy Photo)
By Whitney Wyatt/The Red River Sun—
CHILDRESS – Fireworks will still light up the Childress sky this Fourth of July, but there is a change of plans for daytime activities.
Shelby Bocanegra, organizer of the Fourth of July Party in the Park, said it has been cancelled because of COVID-19.
“This would have been our fourth year, but we had to cancel because guidelines were impossible to comply with,” Bocanegra explained. “I did not want it to come to this, but the restrictions that are still in play prevent almost everything we do at the celebration.”
On top of that, meat has almost tripled in price, Bocanegra added, making it near impossible for anyone to purchase the amount needed to provide for the expected crowd.
In its place, the Elks Lodge 1113 will host a Fourth of July Arts & Craft Show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 4.
“The Elks had this show before the Celebration in the Park began,” Elks Lodge 1113 member Susan Leary explained. “Once it started, we stopped. Since the celebration is not happening, we got permission from the County Judge to hold the event.”
Candy Cottage, Silver Guardian Creations, Grannie Annie’s Goodies, Hair Bow Hero, Small Town Scents, Childress Chamber, Granny Faith’s Jellies, Childress Women’s League, ‘Novas Bakery and Sunday Crossin will have booths at the event. Leary said supporting these vendors is supporting local business.
“In an air-conditioned facility, you can shop for homemade and unusual items,” Leary said. “It is something fun to do with a friend or family member.”
The Elks also will serve Aunt Susan’s chicken salad with fruit or chips and a bottle of water. It can be either as plate lunch or a sandwich meal. It will be served from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will cost $8. It is to-go only.
“Really good food will be available for take home,” Leary said.
As for fireworks at Fair Park Stadium, they will still happen. But the football field will be locked.
“There will be fireworks, but you can’t watch from inside the football field,” Childress County Judge Jay Mayden said.
