In Temple’s Historical District, people gathered on front lawns with friends and neighbors. At the Jansen residence about 20 people enjoyed cool drinks and barbecue in the heat of the afternoon.
“We will eventually walk down to Miller Park to watch the fireworks later this evening,” Paul Jensen said. “For now it’s drinks and music and food with friends from work.”
Down at Miller Park the splash pad was one of the most appreciated attractions. Adults and children walked through the water to get relief from the heat. The temperature was around 101 degrees. Add the heat index and you were escaping about 105 degrees.
The feeling was one of relaxation. People were friendly, saying hello to each other, getting to know others that had laid a rug or placed their deck chairs near their spot - it was the kind of atmosphere that makes you say “hello, how are you doing?” - and mean it.
To Americans, new and old, you could feel it was a special day.
So what does the Fourth of July mean to people?
“Freedom,” Tammy Neves of Temple said, echoed by many who were asked the same question.
“Freedom and the celebration of being an American,” Robin Gomez of Temple said.
Judging by the amount of red, white and blue shirts of all shapes and sizes, and the number of flags being waved Robin was not alone.
Danielle Cooper loves the holiday because she feels it is a time to be proud.
“We are very fortunate to live in a country as good as America,” Cooper said. “There is an opportunity for everyone that calls America home.”
Jose Martinez was celebrating, not only Independence Day, but also his fifth anniversary of becoming an American citizen.
“I think today is very special,” Martinez said. “My children were born here and America has been very good to me. I lived here for 12 years before I became a citizen. It was important for me to become a citizen, I love this country so much that I wear it on my arm,” he said showing off the Star Spangled Banner tattoo on his upper arm.
Martinez said Mexico is still in his heart, but America is now home.
“For me it means freedom, naturally,” Betsy James said. “It is my favorite holiday because there are no presents to buy, no cards to send and everyone seems just happy to celebrate a great day in our history.”
“For me it means independence from Britain’s rule,” Michael Goeres, 10, of Temple said. “And fireworks,” he added.
For those who had to work, special attempts were made to make the day at least tolerable.
Scanner traffic advised police officers who were on duty in Temple they were invited to Scott & White Memorial Hospital for barbecue.
Earlier, the sun shone in a glorious blue sky and the sun captured ripples in Lake Belton’s water to provide the perfect background .
There wasn’t a picnic table available at Temple Lake Park on Saturday afternoon, but that wasn’t stopping the crowds coming in for gatherings with family and friends sprawling on the grass.
Margot Smithsen was enjoying the day with her children.
“We decided it was too hot to stay at home, so I thought if we could get out of the house for the day the kids would be able to sit still at the fireworks display later tonight,” she said.
The small beach was full of sun-seekers who occasionally walked into the water to cool down. On a few occasions there were lines of cars waiting for someone to leave so they could get in. Game wardens from Texas Parks and Wildlife managed to squeeze everyone in, according to scanner traffic.
The day was not trouble free, but for the most part people were well behaved.
There were a few hiccups in the lake area but Parks and Wildlife Capt. Fred Churchill said people were having a good time and behaving.
“I think that is because of the presence of officials in the area,” Churchill said.
Bell County sheriff’s deputies, Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens, Morgan’s Point Resort police and Belton police were out in force.
“It helps when you turn around and see one of them,” he said.
On Saturday night two boats collided on the lake. “Two people were taken to Scott & White and released later,” Churchill said. “That is still under investigation.”
