Fourth of July plans off to a bang

AUSTIN (KXAN) - It’s time to enjoy the annual Fourth of July festivities!

There are a number of firework events and shows that are happening on Wednesday in celebration of Independence Day.

Austin

• Barton Hills Parade at 9 a.m. starts at Barton Hills Market at 1220 Barton Hills Drive.
• The Austin Symphony Orchestra is performing at The Long Center, along with the firework show that will happen from 8:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. Admission is free.
• Carlos & Charlie’s is hosting a firework extravaganza. There will be live music from Austin’s 80 cover band LC ROCKS. Gates will be open at 6 p.m. Admission is free.
• Delwood II neighborhood -- 55th annual Independence Day Parade and Celebration, 1200 Bentwood Road, 9 a.m. Led by Austin Fire Department and EMS, St. Edward's University Rifle and Flag Corps, floats. At 1 p.m., lunch on the grounds at 1419 Fairwood, barbecue brisket cookoff, annual pie contest with judges Laura Morrison and Kathie Tovo of Austin City Council, music and more.
• Allandale Neighborhood Association 53rd Annual Parade begins at 8:30 a.m. at Bullard and White Rock streets. Including Sen. Kirk Watson; Rep. Elliott Naishtat; Council members Laura Morrison, Chris Riley and Kathie Tovo; constable Bruce Elfant and AISD vice president and board member Vincent Torres. Prizes awarded. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Colonial Drums, Capitol City Highlanders Pipe Band. The group will collect toys for Blue Santa program. Also includes voter registration.

Cedar Park

• The Elizabeth Milburn Park is the site of the Fourth of July celebration from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday with live music, games and activities for the family. Live music and dance by Common Thread at 5:30 p.m. Free watermelon at 6:30 p.m. Bingo at 7 p.m. Ullrich Ellison and Connection play live music starting at 7:15 p.m.  Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. "Afterglow" country dance after the fireworks, music by Crossline.

Georgetown

• Sertoma's 4th of July celebration begins at 11 a.m. in San Gabriel Park , and features a petting zoo, 60 arts and craft booths, 20 food vendors, kiddie rides, bounce houses and games. Hometown Parade begins at 11 a.m. at the low water crossing, ending at the gazebo. Musical entertainment begins at the gazebo at 12 p.m. and continues all day. The fireworks show begins at dark.

Leander

• Volente Beach in Leander will have a firework show at 8 p.m. The admission is free before 8 p.m. and will be $5 after 8 p.m.
• Liberty Fest runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the H-E-B Plus at 651 U.S. Highway 183. Live music and fireworks. Liberty Fest is free and open to the public. They welcome neighbors and friends from other places.

Pflugerville

• Pfirecracker Pfestival from 4 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
• With limited parking availability at Lake Pflugerville, the city conveniently shuttles guests to the lake starting at 4 p.m. with Hendrickson High School buses dropping off at the north shore and Pflugerville High School shuttles dropping off at the south shore. Brian Burns in concert at 5 :30 p.m. Concert at 8:05 p.m. by Austin Civic Wind Ensemble. Fireworks show is at 9:15 p.m. Concert by Ruby Jane starts at 9:45 p.m.

Round Rock

• Frontier Days parade and carnival will happen at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock followed by the annual firework show. The parade starts at 10 a.m., and the day-long festivities -- including vendors and skydivers -- begin at noon at Old Settlers Park, located at 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd. Free watermelon at 7 p.m., Live music starts at 8:30 p.m., by Austin Symphonic Band. The firework show begins at 9:30 p.m. Movie "Captain America" after fireworks end. Admission is free.

San Marcos

• The Summerfest fireworks show will begin at 9:30 p.m. near Bobcat Stadium and will be visible around much of San Marcos. Great viewing will be possible at a variety of locations, including San Marcos Plaza Park, the Activity Center, Library, City Hall and Strahan Parking Lot. All of the events are family friendly and are open to the public.

There is currently a burn ban in Travis County, but the sale of fireworks isn’t being prohibited. Still, the burning of fireworks in Travis County is not allowed.

Fireworks can be still be sold and used legally, but the Fire Marshal’s office urges everyone to be cautious when lighting fireworks.

"Travis County is experiencing drought conditions and high temperatures. Plus, spring rains caused the growth of vegetation that has now dried and can provide fuel for fires," said Travis County Fire Marshal Hershel Lee.

Instead of setting off fireworks, Lee suggests attending public fireworks displays that are regulated and have firefighting equipment and personnel nearby to handle any emergency if anything should happen.