Reggie Lee, Jr. showcases his patriotically dressed goat Peanut during the Eagle Lake Freedom Fest Pet Parade, Friday, July 3, in downtown Eagle Lake. Reggie and Peanut won first place in the Kids Division of the Pet Parade. Photo by the Citizen | Alesia Woolridge
The city of Eagle Lake celebrated America's 250th birthday with a full day of family-friendly activities Friday, July 3, drawing an estimated crowd of nearly 1,000 people to downtown and locations throughout the city.
The celebration began with a pet parade downtown before festivities spread across Eagle Lake with a golf scramble at the city golf course, a gun expo at Johnny's Sport Shop, a cornhole tournament on the downtown square, rows of food and craft vendors, a barbecue cook-off, car show and live music throughout the day.
In the pet parade, Reggie and Peanut captured first place in the children's division, while Laura Myres, Jack and Jill earned top honors in the adult division.
The Eagle Lake City Pool also welcomed swimmers for its opening day, providing a welcome way for families to cool off during the summer heat.
As evening fell, hundreds gathered for the grand finale — a 30-minute fireworks display that lit up the night sky. Following the show, many visitors returned to the downtown square, where live music, dancing and shopping continued until midnight.
Mayor Anthony Johnson and City Manager Tink Jackson thanked city employees, volunteers, vendors, participants and visitors for helping make the celebration a success.
Inez Matura and Gladys Moore dance to live music by The Houston Ensemble cover band during the Eagle Lake Freedom Fest, Friday, July 3, in downtown Eagle Lake. Photo by the Citizen | Allison Drinnon Eagle Lake alderman Billy Sosa and mayor Anthony Johnson toss bean bags during the Eagle Lake Freedom Fest, Friday, July 3, in downtown Eagle Lake. Photo by the Citizen | Allison Drinnon
Red, orange and white fireworks burst and shimmer behind an American flag, Friday, July 3, in Eagle Lake. Photo by the Citizen | Allison Drinnon
Camilia Cavazos of Marina's Roasted Corn hands Irene Vargas her order during the Eagle Lake Freedom Fest, Friday, July 3, in downtown Eagle Lake. Photo by the Citizen | Allison Drinnon
Jeff Claywell supervises his grandson Brantley Chestnut as he totes around a cart during the Eagle Lake Freedom Fest, Friday, July 3, in downtown Eagle Lake. Photo by the Citizen | Allison Drinnon Red, white and blue fireworks rain across the night sky behind an American flag, Friday, July 3, in Eagle Lake. Photo by the Citizen | Allison Drinnon Paty Gamez laughs as her granddaughter nine-month-old Romina Macias excitedly watches and cheers on the Eagle Lake Freedom Fest pet parade, Friday, July 3, in downtown Eagle Lake. Photo by the Citizen | Alesia Woolridge Lex Ruvalcaba takes a photo inside an old classic red car during the Eagle Lake Freedom Fest car show, Friday, July 3, in downtown Eagle Lake. Photo by the Citizen | Allison Drinnon
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