Thinking fireworks already in Abilene

Let's blast ahead today.

Monday is Memorial Day, a time to pause during a busy month to reflect and thank those whose sacrifice provides us with a pretty darned good life today. Then come more local graduations, with students from Abilene and Cooper high schools, ATEMS and Premier High School walking the good walk next weekend.

Then we're off and running with summer.

And the first Freedom Festival.

We've been keeping you informed on the progress of this event, which will put to rest memories of a fireworks-free Fourth of July in Abilene last summer.

This year, there will be fireworks ... and more.

Try a downtown parade the evening of July 3. Motorcycles will be allowed but there already has been good discussion about placing bikes well away from horses.

The parade will be in the evening when buildings will provide some shade relief. Also, it won't interfere with the wonderful neighborhood parades scattered about Abilene the next morning.

Bikes are welcome in the parade because there is a motorcycle show the next day at the Taylor County Expo Center, where the Freedom Festival begins at 10 a.m. There also will be a car show, activities for kids and music. This week, the committee charged with pulling off this event, learned that country singer Jamie Richards has signed on, along with lots of local talent.

There will be food trucks, vendors and more. There will be a tailgating area and a VIP area.

Of course, the star of the show when it's completely dark is the fireworks show, blasting off from near the Expo Center. Enough money already has been raised to pay for a show that organizers hope is the biggest of the night in Texas. 

There still is a lot of work to do but the committee was told that because local folks have stepped up big time, the event costs are largely covered.

There will be an admission cost to the event. We all know "freedom isn't free," and fireworks are not, either. Admission is $7.

Or, you can pay half price.

If you go to abilenefreedomfestival.com Sunday and Monday to buy tickets, type in the code "freedom" and the cost drops to $3.50. That's a grande mocha at your favorite coffee shop.

Instead, you'll be buying a ticket to a grande event.

You also can help with the cost by donating at the website. Money not spent this year is seed money for 2019, when the event is expected to grow.

There is an opportunity to enjoy the Freedom Festival and the patriotic concert by the Abilene Community band traditionally held on the shaded grounds of Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest. Director Joe Stephens and his merry musicians will play many of your favorite marches, including "Stars & Stripes Forever."

We'll marvel again that John Phillip Sousa, the march king, once spent time in Abilene and is part of the lore of Abilene High School, which put the first marching band on football fields in Texas.

So, get to your favorite hobby/craft store to stock up on your decorations and get ready for the best Fourth of July ever in Abilene.

No more complaining about the lack of fireworks.