North Texas celebrates nation's birthday with parades, festive events

ARLINGTON, Texas - One of the largest Fourth of July parades in the country made its way through downtown Arlington Wednesday morning.

This year marked the 53rd anniversary for the patriotic procession. It has definitely grown since 1965.

An estimated 80,000 people line the parade route, which also included the College Park District at the University of Texas at Arlington.

There were about 140 parade entries including vintage cars, equestrian units and marching bands from all six of Arlington’s high schools.

The theme of this year’s parade was “A Star Spangled Independence Day.”

Fort Worth’s Fourth is billed as the largest July 4 fireworks show in North Texas. People began gathering in lawn chairs along the banks of the Trinity River early in the afternoon.

There was plenty of entertainment for families as well. Floating in tubes along the river and jet pack fly boarding seemed to be popular with kids and adults.

People could also grab a brush and help work on a paint-by-numbers mural of the U.S.S. Fort Worth battleship. It will later be sent to the sailors working aboard the vessel.

In Dallas, people are celebrating the Fourth of July at Fair Park. There have been free attractions at the fairgrounds. The Midway also stays open until 10 p.m. for people to enjoy rides, games and concessions.

The fireworks at Fair Park are expected to start shortly after 9:30 p.m.

For more places to see fireworks, visit http://www.fox4news.com/news/2018-fourth-of-july-events-in-north-texas.