SPECIAL EVENTS

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department presents the 12th Annual Fireworks-on-the-Brazos,  Monday, July 4 at the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site.

Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site is the place to bring your family this July fourth. The "Birthplace of Texas" has a full day of fun activities planned to celebrate our nation's independence, capped off by a remarkable laser light show choreographed to your favorite patriotic tunes. It's the first time a laser show has been presented at the park and is due to the extreme drought conditions in the area. (Note: The laser light show will best be viewed from the amphitheater area inside the park, not from outside the park as was possible in the past.)

Start the day by visiting the site's three main attractions: Independence Hall, where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed in 1836; Barrington Living History Farm, an 1850s-era cotton farm and the original home of Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas; and Star of the Republic Museum, the only institution of its kind telling the story of the time in history when Texas was a sovereign nation. Park admission is free, but some tour fees apply.

Festival food vendors will be on hand all day with special free activities beginning in the evening. We will once again host a special "Kid Zone," complete with moonwalk, water balls and other hands-on games. Family friendly entertainers will roam the park, along with our own historical interpreters.

Children will be invited to participate in 1800s period games beginning at 5 p.m. Cool off with some free Blue Bell ice cream and Coca-Cola products at 5:30 p.m. At 7:15 p.m., head to the Amphitheater for a special free concert by Western swing band "Back at the Ranch." At approximately 9:15 p.m., enjoy the highlight of the evening, a Fireworks-on-the-Brazos Laser Light Show. The display will also be simulcast on KTEX 106 Sounds Like Texas. So, bring your radio, blanket and lawn chairs to enjoy this free celebration made possible by H-E-B.

The Star of the Republic Museum has mounted a special exhibit titled Fifty-nine for Freedom. On March 2, 1836, as Santa Anna was approaching San Antonio, the delegates at Washington-on-the-Brazos declared, "Our political connection with the Mexican nation has now forever ended, and the people of Texas do now constitute a free and independent republic." By signing this Declaration, these men were signing their own death warrants, jeopardizing their property and the lives of their families. Fifty-nine for Freedom explores the life and contributions of each delegate with numerous artifacts and documents owned or created by many of the 59 signers.

Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site is located halfway between Brenham and Navasota off State Hwy. 105 on FM 1155, approximately one hour northwest of Houston.  This event is made possible by H-E-B, Bluebonnet Electric, Brenham National Bank, Del Sol Foods, Brenham Coca-Cola, Blue Bell Creameries, Entergy, Germania Insurance, KTEX/KWHI, Kolkhorst Petroleum, Mid-South Synergy, Peter Paul Petroleum and Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau.