Area residents will have plenty of things to keep themselves busy in the coming weeks with multiple communities in and around the Van Zandt County area announcing Independence Day celebrations, including Canton and Van. Van will host their Independence Day celebration a little early, with events slated for June 25.

Canton Fourth of July July 4

A number of activities are scheduled for Downtown Canton to celebrate the Fourth of July on Monday, July 4, according to information released by the Canton Texas Chamber of Commerce.

The evening’s activities will begin with a ‘Best Decorated Bike Contest’ at 5 p.m. followed by a ‘Watermelon Eating Contest’ for the kids at 5:30 p.m.

For the adults, one of the most highly anticipated events will begin at 6 p.m. with the third annual ‘Hot Dog Eating Competition,’ sponsored by Sonic.

There will also be a Fourth of July Downtown Parade with the parade lineup to begin at 6:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Canton parking lot.

The parade will start at the FBC, Canton parking lot at 7:30 p.m., on Athens Street, before taking a right turn at State Highway 64. The parade route will then turn right on Buffalo Street downtown and will end at the Canton ISD Administration Building parking lot.

A fireworks show will close out the evening’s activities beginning at dark on the west side of the First Monday Grounds parking lot on FM 859 between State Highway 64 and Interstate 20.

For more information about the Fourth of July events in Canton, call the Canton Texas Chamber of Commerce at 903-567-2991 or visit www.cantontexaschamber.com.

Van Freedom Boom June 25

The City of Van recently released plans for their sixth annual Independence Day celebration known as Van Freedom Boom. Activities will take place from 5-10 p.m. Saturday, June 25, at the new McMillan Park, located at 712 East Main Street in Van.

There will be bounce houses, vendors, and a fireworks show among the activities, according to a City of Van spokesperson. The Luke LaPrade Band and the Teague Brothers Band will provide live music during the event.

For more information, contact Van City Hall at 903-963-7216 or e-mail Van EDC Director Tammy Weidman at tweidman@ vantx.gov.