Jasper’s Independence Day Celebration will be held Saturday, July 3rd at Sandy Creek Park on Marvin Hancock Drive starting at 5:00 p.m.

Lots of food and fun for the entire family.  The band, “Still Cruisin” from the Golden Triangle area will perform at 6:00 p.m. with blues, zydeco, country, and rock. The festival will provide free Balloon animals by Bodacious Balloon Art, face painting by Jean Humphrey and her art students at the East Texas Art League, a watermelon eating contest sponsored by Rene Kelly Ellis, Jasper County Treasurer and will provide trophies to the winners and the infamous KJAS Hula Hoop contest for age categories: 4-5, 6 -7, 8-9, 10-12, and a special contest for ages  13 and up with winners receiving 1st and 2nd place trophies and participation ribbons,  a free obstacle course and water slide for the kids, so bring their bathing suits or clothes to get wet. Heroes and Patriots will be on location selling military memorabilia and lighted toys. The American Legion Post 78 will be on location passing out literature and also military memorabilia.

The event will have lots of festival foods so come hungry:  Rudy’s Pork-a-bobs, Mobil Food Concession- fresh squeezed lemonade, Francisco Castillo- tacos, tortes and quesadillas, Here’s the Scoop Dippin’ Dots Ice-cream, Southern Comfort Catering – hamburgers, sausage on a stick, etc., and more, Connie Gordan – funnel cakes, and shrimp on a stick, Vasquez honey and more!

Special guest, DeWayne Freese from Hillcrest Baptist Church will lead the crowd in prayer at 9:25 p.m., Sound Tech Productions from Dallas will provide audio, and Craig George, Pyro-man from Campti, Louisiana will shoot the spectacular fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. 

Marvin Hancock Drive will be closed at 3:00 p.m. for traffic until after the fireworks show for food vendors and pedestrians coming to the event. The new park expansion will be open for public parking with entrance on the north side of Marvin Hancock Drive. The City of Jasper’s handicap cart and trollies will run from 5:00 p.m. from the entrance on Houston Street down to the park entrance for people that want to ride and pick up folks after the show.

Stay hydrated, watch out for our children, use plenty of sunscreen and bring a lawn chairs/ blankets to watch the show.