Alas, the Fourth of July falls right in the middle of the week. Translation: No three-day weekend getaway. Shoot. But not to worry. You can save on gas and time by just heading over to Fair Park for the MetroPCS Fair Park Fourth.
The hoop-la isn’t limited to the free fireworks show sponsored by Gold Metal Recyclers in the Cotton Bowl that commences at 9:30 p.m. Starting at 4:30 p.m., the Friends of Fair Park have arranged for a plethora of activities including a patriotic program featuring the Dallas Wind Symphony under the direction of Don McKinney, live music, kids activities, carnival games, “dancing water” shows and more. (Warning: The dancing water show in the Esplanade Fountain is for watching, not joining in.)
And the best part is that admission to Fair Park’s six museums (African American Museum, Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park, Dallas Historical Society/Hall of State, Museum of Nature & Science, Texas Discovery Gardens and Texas Museum of Automotive History) is reduced from 4:30 to 7 p.m. So you can check out Fair Park’s treasures in air-conditioned surroundings and avoid the July heat.
As for the eating part, you can bring a picnic or buy food from concessionaires, but no alcoholic beverages or glass bottles are permitted. Oh, and leave your “firearms” and fireworks at home.
MetroPCS is the title sponsor of Fair Park Fourth. Other sponsors are Ben E. Keith Beverage Company, Budweiser, Gold Metal Recyclers, Baylor Healthcare Systems, Coca-Cola and Green Mountain Energy. Media partners are WFAA, Univision 23, Al Dia, The Greensheet, 98.7 KLUV, K104, Smooth R&B 105.7, La Que Buena 94.1 FM, 1270 AM La Voz del Pueblo, and 90.9 KCBI.
So, after you check out your favorite 4th of July parade, head on over to Fair Park for some priceless “cheap” thrills.
* Graphic provided by Friends of Fair Park