While Independence Day falls on a Saturday this year, celebrations across Collin County begin a day early, with communities offering fireworks, live music, family activities, and patriotic traditions throughout the holiday weekend.

Local Celebrations

Sachse residents will have a chance to kick off their celebrations early as the city’s annual Red, White and Blue Blast returns to Heritage Park on Friday, July 3. The event features live musical performances, stage games, a petting zoo, a Ninja Nation obstacle course, booth and food vendors, yard games, spirit awards, and a splashdown hosted by Sachse F-R.

In Wylie, Founders Park will host the city’s annual fireworks celebration beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 3. Attendees can enjoy live music by Midnight Traveler, food trucks, eight bounce houses, and a Wylie Fire Rescue water spray zone. The 17-minute fireworks display is scheduled to begin at 9:45 p.m.

Rockwall’s annual Fourth of July Celebration also returns July 4, beginning with a downtown parade at 11 a.m. Activities continue at Harry Myers Park from 5 to 9 p.m. with food vendors, live entertainment, and a fireworks show to cap off the evening.

Unique Events

For a patriotic event with a different twist, In-Sync Exotics in Wylie will host its annual Watermelon Toss on Sunday, July 5. The event gives visitors a chance to watch rescued big cats enjoy watermelon treats while supporting the nonprofit sanctuary’s ongoing rescue and care efforts.

Original reporting: Wylie News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.