posted July 2 -

Huge crowds are expected at the Bee County Exposition Center Friday, July 4, when the American Legion Post 274 hosts this year’s Independence Day celebration.

Lou Trlica, manager of the Expo Center, said the event will kick off at noon, giving everybody plenty of time to sleep late, have a big breakfast, gather up the family and prepare for an old-fashioned, patriotic celebration of the nation’s birthday.

Although there will be the traditional opening ceremony, with a color guard and politicians speaking, organizers expect the entertainment, the vendor booths, the food and drinks to be the center of attraction right up until after dark when a $15,000 fireworks display will be sent high into the sky.

The Bee County Veterans Honor Guard will be in charge of presenting the colors during the opening ceremony and County Judge David Silva and Mayor Kenneth Chesshir are expected to make brief statements welcoming the people and inviting everyone to have a grand time under the hot South Texas sun.

Of course, no one will have to spend much time in the sun thanks to the two, sprawling Lucas-McNeill Pavilions where most of the activity will be taking place.

Live bands will be playing throughout the day, vendors will be selling a variety of wares, Beeville’s Whataburger restaurant will host a pie-eating contest, local Eagle Scouts are planning a formal “flag retirement” ceremony, men will be showing off their sexy legs in a contest that evening, someone from Austin has inquired about setting up his “splattball” trailer and a host of other games and events will be going on throughout the day.

Mrs. Trlica said ropers will be chasing calves all weekend in the center’s rodeo arena, for those who would rather watch cowboys and livestock during the event.

The only cost to those attending will be a $3 fee for parking. And that fee will pay the people who will be in charge of directing the traffic.

Admission to the grounds will be free, Mrs. Trlica said.

Vendors will offer everything from jewelry, toys, glassware and “all types of food,” Mrs. Trlica said.

“We’ve gotten quite a few inquiries,” she said. “They’re very interested in coming.”

“There’s a lot of excitement about the fireworks especially,” Mrs. Trlica said. The fireworks display will be made possible this year because the City Council voted last month to provide $10,000 from its hotel-motel tax fund just for that purpose.

Throughout the day music lovers will be treated to the sounds of bands like Indomable, David Herrera and Gospel Crossroad, One-Way Ticket and Wright Remedy. The final performer, the Jamie Richards Band, will play from 10 p.m. to midnight.

For those who haven’t had enough entertainment by Friday night, the center will be hosting another dance the following evening with The Hometown Boys playing.

The always popular dancers of Fiesta Ballet Folklorico also will entertain the crowd. Other features will include a watermelon-eating contest, an apple pie bake-off and displays by re-enactors and American Indians. Planners are also hoping to provide bingo games inside the Expo Center for those who prefer to find their entertainment inside and away from the South Texas summer heat.

Event planners believe the price is right this year for vendors. “We’re keeping the rent at $20 so that churches and civic organizations can make some money,” Mrs. Trlica said. “And that includes the same price for food vendors.”

More than 150 individuals and organizations are expected to have booths set up at the event this year.

“We want people to come to this,” said American Legion organizer Teresa Holland. “The community is very excited about the fireworks.”