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. This year we are taking the parade to the citizens of Garden Ridge. We are having a "CITY SPIRIT TOUR".
What is a "City Spirit Tour"?
It is just that, a tour through a good portion, not all, of the streets within our city. The "City Spirit Tour" will be led by our Police Department followed by our city’s 1st Grand Marshal - Retired Brigadier General Charles "Chuck" Elia, Mayor Thompson and other city officials, and anyone who wishes to join the parade as long as they comply with the Texas State Highway regulations. Because the "City Spirit Tour" will have to travel on state roads (FM 3009 and FM 2252), there are more restrictions on participation in the parade and we must comply with the state regulations. Vehicles with a current registration only can partake in the parade. This means NO TRAILERS and NOBODY IN THE BACK OF A PICK-UP OR IN A TOWED BOAT. This also means NO LAWN MOWERS, ATVs, GOLF CARTS, BICYCLES, WALKERS, RUNNERS, ETC.
Watch and enjoy the Flag Raising ceremony from the comfort of your home by going to the City’s Facebook page where we will be streaming the event. We will also be broadcasting over FM 106.5. We ask people who come to watch the Flag Raising in person to remain in their cars and listen to everything over their car radio. We strongly encourage social distancing. Let’s keep the Flag Raising ceremony safe for everyone.
Most citizens will be able to watch the "City Spirit Tour" parade from the comfort of their home or front yard. To see if the parade will be going pass your home click the below link to view the parade route map. Again, while watching the parade, please adhere to CDC guidance of social distancing and wearing a face covering.