By Todd A. Gilbert, ETX Bell

July 4, 1776 – That one date that has stuck with you after years of history lessons in school. Independence Day. Better known as “The Fourth of July.” Or just “The 4th.” And now we come to our 250th American Independence Day.

Hot Dogs. Grandma’s Apple Pie. Some sort of Texas heat-beating water activity at the lake, the pool, or at least with the sprinkler in the yard. And oh yes, fireworks. Quite possibly the highlight of every child’s summer. The excitement is heightened to the unbearable level if you get to go buy your own and light them yourself after dark.

250 years of freedom. East Texans love a reason to bring the community together, and the Fourth of July is our biggest celebration of the summer. But this one is a little bigger. A chance to really ponder this beautiful country that allows us individual liberties and freedoms that billions of people in other nations still don’t have. A chance to enjoy our diversity and equality. To be thankful for what we have and the fact that we live in this great nation.

So while you’re gathered around the backyard grill or watching fireworks from the tailgate this three-day Fourth of July weekend, take a moment to remember these immortal words indelibly etched into parchment with a quill pen 250 years ago:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Happy 250th USA! And here’s to another 250. What are some interesting Independence Day facts?

The Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, but they did not actually sign it until August 2, 1776, with some members signing a day or two later.

56 men signed the Declaration of Independence. All 13 of the original colonies were represented with Rhode Island having the fewest (2 signers) and Pennsylvania having the most (9 signers).

Many well-known founding fathers did not sign the Declaration Of Independence including George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Patrick Henry.

While America declared its independence on July 4, 1776, it was not recognize worldwide until the Treaty of Paris was signed on September 3, 1783. The Revolutionary War fighting began with the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, and ended with the Siege at Yorktown in October 19, 1781.

The 250th anniversary is being referred to as the “Semiquincentennial.” That comes from the Latin for “half of five hundred.”

Out of the 195 recognized nations in the world in 2026, the United States is now older than approximately 140 of them, leaving about 55 nations that are older than us.

Where can East Texans celebrate the Independence Day 250th Anniversary? Celebrate America Fireworks

Friday, July 3, gates open at 6:30pm

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church

13590 State Hwy 110 South, Tyler, TX Free and open to the public

Family friendly, food trucks, KVNE radio, entertainment, fireworks

Tyler’s Annual Independence Day Fireworks Festival Saturday, July 4, 5:00pm to 10:00pm

The Park of East Texas on State Hwy 64 just west of Loop 323 (Held at Lindsey Park in previous years.)

Free and open to the public

Family friendly, food trucks, live entertainment, attractions, fireworks

Blast Over Bullard

Saturday, July 4, 5:00pm to 10:00pm Bullard High School

1426 S. Houston Street, Bullard, TX Free and open to the public

Family friendly, food and retail vendors, Kid’s Bike Brigade, Fireworks

Lake Tyler Fireworks Show sponsored by Lake Tyler Association Saturday, July 4, approximately 9:00pm

The Lake Tyler Dam

18183 Concession Road, Whitehouse, TX Free and open to the public

Fireworks with synchronized music on KTBB 97.5 FM

Additional festivities held by The Boulders at Lake Tyler and The Lake Tyler Marina Resort – see their websites and/or social media for more information.

Lake Palestine Resort Fireworks Show

Sunday, July 5, starting at 6:30pm (fireworks at 9:30pm) Lake Palestine Resort

8900 Ruby Lane, Frankston, TX

Adults – $20, Kids – $5 (5 and under free), Parking – $10

The Frio River Band live in concert, food vendors, drinks, family friendly