Paramount consideration was given to hosting the City of Garden Ridge 4th of July celebration in a safe manner. Safety for not only our citizens, but also our volunteers and the employees of our City are critical at this time. The Parks Committee leadership, along with leadership from most of Garden Ridges’ service organizations and the City Staff, desired to celebrate our country’s independence without placing the safety of the community at risk.
Social distancing parameters and limitations on assembly size pretty much demanded a departure from our “normal” expectations. The 4th event has been growing every year and unfortunately this year we will have to get down to bare bones. A flag raising ceremony was felt to be mandatory. The free food, drink, and other refreshments were felt to perhaps encourage way too much commingling of friends, families, and neighbors. Pretty much everything we usually did (events, activities, and giveaways) was designed to encourage the gathering of people, so they were out.
So, we were left with the parade. It too was reexamined, scaled back somewhat but expanded in route and purpose. This year a Grand Marshal was selected and we are hoping the spirit of the day is not compromised.
Since the parade route includes state roads, there are more restrictions on participation in the parade. Vehicles with a current registration only can partake in the parade. NO TRAILERS, TRACTORS, LAWN MOWERS, SKATEBOARD, TRICYCLES, HOOVER BOARDS, ETC. Additionally, NO RIDING IN THE BACK OF A PICK-UP TRUCK.
Citizens can safely celebrate from the comfort of their home or front yard since the ceremony will be broadcast on FM 106.5 as well as live streamed to the City’s Facebook Page. Click the below links to view the flyer and parade route map!