This is the week that we celebrate America’s birthday. There is no better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than with family and friends.
Snyder has one of the best community celebrations I have seen. The entire community seems to be in Towle Park for the festivities. This year will be no exception, if the schedule on Page 3 in today’s edition is any indication.
One of the highlights for the kids is the Pride of Texas Carnival. This carnival is one of the cleanest and most family-friendly I have seen. Hats off to the Snyder Lions Club for arranging the carnival.
The club has made sure the carnival has been here for the Fourth of July the past several years.
The club also makes sure we take the time to reflect on the holiday with its annual prayer breakfast. This year will be the final year for the event to be held in the barn since the county is closing the facility for public use. But I know club members are already working on a plan for 2020.
Doors to the barn will open at 7:30 a.m. for the public to enjoy breakfast, courtesy of the Lions Club. Dr. Tommy Culwell will be the guest speaker and I know he will deliver a powerful message that will make us feel great.
The parade is also one of the featured events of the community celebration and you can bet there will be plenty of candy for the children and adults. I just wish someone would throw sugar-free candy for us diabetics, although having a cheat day is always an option.
If you plan to attend the parade, make sure to get to the park early. Space along the route fills up pretty quickly. But please be considerate of the property owners around the park.
Throughout the day, people will enjoy homemade food, carnival games and arts and crafts booths.
And when dusk hits, everyone will turn their attention to the skies over Snyder as they are lit by the fireworks show.
The Snyder Chamber of Commerce staff always work hard to make sure the celebration goes off smoothly. I know they will do that this year.
Go out and have a good time in the park and visit with friends and family. Make sure to stop by the booths to help local groups raise money for a number of good causes.
Snyder really does a good job throwing its version of America’s birthday party.
Ben Barkley is the managing editor of the Snyder Daily News. He has covered news and sports for more than 25 years in Louisiana and Texas. Comments about his column can be emailed to barkley@snyderdailynews.com.