By Loretta Fulton

Multiple Independence Day celebrations will pay tribute to the nation’s 250th birthday, and one  “Dependence Day” observance is set for July 3. 

The “Dependence Day” observance is to acknowledge a dependence on God and is sponsored by the Catholic West Texans for Life. The observance will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 3, at Nelson Park Festival Gardens. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy free hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks, chips, ice cream, and prizes. Free Frisbees, beach balls, and stuffed animals will be given to the children. 

On Saturday, July 4, the Farmers, North 1st and Mesquite streets, will kick things off with a Big Summer Bash from 8 a.m. to noon. Live music, food trucks, kids’ activities, and local artists and vendors will be present. 

The 30th annual Hillcrest Neighborhood Parade begins at 10 a.m. and lasts about two hours. The parade starts at 2490 Campus Court. An ice cream social will follow. 

America’s Block Party at the new downtown plaza on Cypress Street will be held 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Activities will include food vendors, family-friendly games, giveaways, and an evening concert.

The Abilene Community Band will be celebrating its 50th anniversary, along with the nation’s 250th, with a free concert beginning at 7 p.m. on the east lawn of the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, 602 Meander St. The band formed for a Bicentennial celebration on July 4, 1976, and decided to continue performing. 

Activities begin at 6 p.m. with free hot dogs and popcorn. Music starts at 7.  Among the traditional patriotic standards, the ban will premiere at new piece titled “Purple Mountain Majesties” written for this event by Kendall Ray Prinz. 

Loretta Fulton is creator and editor of Spirit of Abilene