“The rich tradition of our week-long celebration is an exciting time for the people of Belton and Central Texas,” said Stephanie O’Banion, president and chief executive officer of the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber is proud to help everyone celebrate American freedom.”
The week begins with the July 3 Kick-Off Barbecue at Yettie Polk Park from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event will feature Fred Fuller, the “Singing Cowboy” from Bell County Jamboree, a high-noon shoot out and food.
Lunch tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Meals include a barbecue sandwich or sausage wrap, chips and soft drink.
The patriotic program is July 4 at 9 a.m. on the North steps of the Bell County Courthouse.
Highlighting the annual celebration is the Fourth of July Parade, which made its first appearance in 1850. Organizers said this year’s theme of “Freedom on the Chisholm Trail” will bring a sense of nostalgia and family tradition to the event.
More than 30,000 spectators will line the streets of downtown Belton for the parade that starts at 10 a.m. There will be a variety of floats, decorated vehicles and bicycles, antique cars, local celebrities and marching bands.
The parade begins on Main Street, loops through downtown and comes to completion on 4th Avenue.
Other activities planned for the Fourth include the Festival on Nolan Creek which begins at noon in Yettie Polk Park and the commencement of the PRCA Rodeo that evening at the Bell County Expo Center.
The Belton July 4th rodeo has been an Independence Day tradition since 1924. The chamber invites the community to put on their boots and cowboy hats and head down to the Belton Expo center when Rodeo Belton begins Wednesday, July 4, with four nights of PRCA Rodeo action beginning nightly at 7 p.m.
This year’s PRCA rodeo will feature the 2005 and 2006 Wrangler National Finals Bucking Bull of the year, Lucky Strike, from Legendary Stock Contractor David Bailey from Ft. Gibson, Okla.
Children 8 and under are invited to enter the Stickhorse Grand Entry and Competition to compete for the title of Stickhorse Cowgirl and Cowboy. Children entered will parade their stickhorses around the rodeo arena at Family Celebration night, July 5, and prizes for the 10 best decorated stickhorses will be awarded and the crowning of the Stickhorse Cowgirl and Cowboy. Passes for the stickhorse grand entry are available at the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce.
Friday, July 6, is Military Appreciation Night and all active military members will get in to the Rodeo free of charge and there will be a pre-show performance from the 1st Cavalry from Ft. Hood who will perform their amazing Horse Detachment.
Saturday night at the Rodeo is “Bullapalooza,” all night bull riding and Junior Bullriding.
The fan favorite mutton bustin’ competition, featuring children ages 4-7, takes place every night.
New to the rodeo this year will be two contests both sponsored by Cumulus Radio. The first offers the “Best Seats in the House,” where two individuals will enjoy the night’s events from the comfort of recliners and there will also be a “Rodeo Wedding” night where a lucky couple will be selected to be married at the rodeo.
The Western Gift Show begins at 5:30 each night of the rodeo and features a variety of items including leather products, cowboy gifts, western clothing, jewelry and Belton 4th of July Rodeo souvenirs.
On Saturday, July 7, after the Final Day of the PRCA Rodeo, there will be an after Rodeo dance featuring the musical styling of “Wild Horses.” Admission is free with a rodeo ticket stub or $5 without.
Also coinciding with the rodeo is the carnival at its new location, the Bell County Expo Center, running from 10 a.m. until midnight each night.
For more information, contact Stephanie O’Banion at (254) 939-3551 or visit the Belton Chamber Web site at www.beltonchamber.com.
