Hundreds come to celebrate the Fourth of July at the Bee County Expo Center
Pictured at middle of page, R.J. Gonzales chows down during the watermelon eating contest. At bottom, judges, from left, Grace Rodriguez, Linda Bridge and Elizabeth Langley evaluate each apple pie during the contest which was one of many attractions at the Fourth of July Celebration.
By BRUCE HARPER and JASON COLLINS
Bee-Picayune Staff
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posted July 9 -
Fireworks, watermelon eating contests, good music, apple pie, Ballet de Folklorico and honoring the Stars and Stripes were all a part of the Beeville Fourth of July celebration at the Bee County Expo Center on Friday.
A little rain did not dampen the celebration; in fact, most were glad to see the rain drops.
Lou Trlica, who manages the Expo Center, said, “It rained right after lunch and it stopped and everything was fun. I think the economy may have slowed people down some though.”
Although she didn’t have an exact head-count, parking attendants took fees for more than 700 cars.
Good food with brisket tacos, hamburgers and hot dogs, watermelon and apple pie kept the crowds well fed. Music entertained the crowds all day and night.
“It went terrific,” Trlica said.
“It was wonderful. The vendors were all pleased they want to come back for other events.
“I have heard nothing but praise for the fireworks... The pie eating was hilarious... The apple pies were terrific.”
A variety of vendors offered everything from jewelry, toys, glassware and all types of food.
A serious observance was provided by the local Boy Scout troop as they held a flag retirement ceremony that helped all in attendance remember the reasons for celebrating Independence Day and the symbolism behind the Stars and Stripes. More than 40 flags were retired on this night. All served their country and countrymen well before being retired.
Eric Taylor, who coordinated the ceremony as part of an Eagle Scout project, said he was pleased with the outcome.
“A lot of people said they understood and they really got a sense of pride out of it and they respect the flag more,” he said.
Taylor said that the rules surround the flying of a U.S. flag are many but it all boils down to respect for the symbol of this country.
“When it becomes tattered and old, it is not a fitting symbol of our country,” he said.
The evening ended with live music and a fireworks display that lasted well into the night, lighting the night sky with colorful and exciting explosions. Onlookers issued almost a continuous chorus of “oohs and ahhs.”
Next year, Trlica said, the event will even be bigger.
“We are going for bigger and better. I kept taking notes all day to know in mind what we need to change or do better for next year.
“I am going to work on getting a carnival for next year. I am going to try and make this one of the big events we do.
“It is good to have it here at home so people don’t have to drive out of town and do it.”
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