Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Show

The Brackenridge Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Show will be held Saturday, July 1 st at Brackenridge Park & Campground and is sponsored by the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority. This year’s event will include an Antique Tractor Show and Parade, a Kiddie Pedal Tractor Pull, the Ride’em-Push’em-Pull’em Parade, Watermelon Eating Contest, Family Watermelon Carving Contest, Red, White, and Blue Dessert Family Bake-Off, and much more! This event is FREE to the public.

The Antique Tractor Show is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The tractors on display are brought in by a proud group of individuals and families, all of whom have a common interest in collecting and restoring vintage agricultural equipment. This event gives today's generation a view of the machinery that once tilled the fields of America.

The Kiddie Tractor Pull starts at 10 a.m. Kids from 3 to 8 are welcome to compete in the action packed, pedal tractor pull. Each tractor has been modified for heavy pulling and is attached to a weight transfer sled. The sled is filled with a certain amount of weight which is determined by the age of each participant. As kids pedal down the path, the weight in the bucket transfers up the sled and makes it harder to pedal. All participants are asked to pre-register at 9:30 a.m. Age Groups include 3 year olds, 4-5 year olds, 6-7 year olds, and 8 year olds.

At the conclusion of the Kiddie Tractor Pull we will gather everyone for the Ride’em-Push’em-Pull’em Parade! Children and adults are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bicycles, strollers and wagons in patriotic colors and participate in this fun parade. We will be choosing one lucky person as our Best Decorative Winner. NEW this year is the Best Decorative Patriotic Pooch Award! Bring your fur baby and dress them in their best red, white, and blue attire and have them participate in the parade. The Parade is scheduled to start at approximately 11:00 a.m. at the Gator Golf Course parking area and conclude near Comfort Station #2.

Watermelon Eating Contests: At 12:00 p.m. we are hosting not one but two Watermelon Eating Contests! One round will be children ages 9-14 and the other is ADULTS ONLY! The contest will be held in the same area where the Ride’em-Push’em-Pull’em Parade ends and will be limited to 30 participants. Registration will begin 30 minutes prior to the start of the contest. For age group 9-14, there will be 3 heats of 10 participants with the winner of each heat moving on. In the final round, the first competitor who finished with their watermelon is the winner! In the adult heat, there will be 1 heat with 10 participants.

Family Watermelon Carving Contest: We are thrilled to be bringing two NEW events to the 2023 Independence Day Celebration! First up is our Family Watermelon Carving Contest! Families will need to bring their already carved Watermelons to the Harry Hafernick Recreation Center Auditorium by 2:00 p.m. on event day to be judged. There will be 3 categories to choose from: Funniest Carving, Most Patriotic, and Most Elegant! Prizes will be awarded to the 1st – 3rd place winners in each category. The Family Watermelon Carving Contest is open to the public and FREE to enter! Registration forms and more event details to come!

Red, White, and Blue Family Dessert Competition: Our next NEW and exciting event we are adding to this year’s festivities is the Red, White, and Blue Family Dessert Competition! There will be 2 competition categories: Bake and No-Bake. Families will need to bring their already prepared Red, White, and Blue Baked and/or None Baked Dessert item to the Harry Hafernick Recreation Center Auditorium by 2:00 p.m. on event day to be judged. There will be 2 categories in the Baked and No-Baked Desserts Competitions: Presentation and Taste. The Red, White, and Blue Family Dessert Competition is open to the public and FREE to enter! Prizes will be awarded to the 1 st – 3rd place winners in each category. Keep an eye out for the registration forms and more event details to come!

While judging is underway for the Watermelon and Dessert Competitions, cool off inside and join us in the Harry Hafernick Recreation Center Auditorium for Red, White, and Blue Bingo! Participants will be playing for Patriotic Swag! This activity is FREE and open to the public!

Bring an extra set of clothes because there will be 3 water slides available for all kiddos to enjoy from 12:00 - 5:00 pm by the Harry Hafernick Recreation Center parking lot!

Best Decorated Campsite or Cabin Contest: The other contest is for our camping guests only…it is the Best Decorated Campsite or Cabin Contest! Guests are encouraged to decorate their site in patriotic colors with judging to take place at 2:00 p.m. One winner from each park will be chosen. Results will be communicated with the winners as soon as judging is complete. We are looking forward to lots of festively decorated sites!

Antique Tractor Parade: At 3:00 p.m. the Antique Tractor Parade will wind thru Brackenridge Park and is a delight to all with the vast array of historic tractors. Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and to line the parade route thru the park. Many of the tractors are festively decorated for the Independence Day holiday and a sight you won't want to miss!

Bring the family out and prepare to bust a move because from 7:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. DJ Kevin Stancik will be set up on the main stage playing a mix of great tunes!

The FREE Fireworks Show at Brackenridge Park & Campground has taken on a life of its own over the years. It is scheduled to start just after 9 p.m. The beautiful fireworks display utilizes a wide variety of fireworks effects for maximum impact and audience appeal. Visitors can best view the event by parking in the grassy field across from the Harry Hafernick Recreation Center. The fireworks can be heard echoing throughout the surrounding area to celebrate all our nation has accomplished and continues to stand for. We invite you to bring your family and come enjoy a full day of fun at the Brackenridge Park & Campground!