By Charles McClure
news@ltview.com
Independence Day is the most festive season for Lakeway residents. Each year they roll out the red carpet and raise the American flag in a show of patriotism that is indicative of the community’s sentiment.

This Saturday, the annual Fourth of July Lakeway Parade and Celebration makes its return.
Newly elected Mayor Dave DeOme is encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy the meticulously planned day’s events.
“I would like to invite all the residents in Lakeway to take part in as many of the Fourth of July festivities as they possibly can,” DeOme said. “Independence Day celebrations are special in Lakeway and this year will be no exception.”
The parade begins at 8:30 a.m., but it is recommended that patrons begin assembling at 8. Lakeway is, once again, going to be treated to the sight of the Wells Fargo Stage Coach with its magnificent team of horses.
After the parade, free coffee and donuts will be served at the Lakeway Activity Center thanks to breakfast sponsors: Starbucks at The Commons, Starbucks at Randall’s, the Donut Hole and Randall’s. That will be followed by the Patriotic Pageant at the activity center at 10:30 a.m., where Grand Marshal U.S. Navy Capt. Greg Woodridge (ret.) will present the keynote address.
DeOme said the events are a perfect way for a family to observe the nation’s birthday.
“The parade down Lakeway Drive is always a memorable event,” DeOme observed. “The Pageant at the activity center, is always filled with moving songs, speeches and displays. Families can get into the Swim Center for a reduced rate all day on July 4.”
In the afternoon, the fun shifts to City Park, which will open at 4 p.m., where musical entertainment and activities for children will be featured, including a bounce house, water slide and the “fabulous foam machine.” Houston-based singer-songwriter Bobby Ray will headline a night of stellar entertainment. Ray’s performance will include a laser light show.
There will be no parking permitted at City Park. A shuttle service will be used this year to access the afternoon events at the park. Parking will be available at Lakeway Elementary School and Emmaus Catholic Church where shuttle busses will ferry patrons to the site beginning at 4:30 p.m.
“Flying High — The Red, White and Blue” is this year’s theme, which will be embodied when four F-16 fighters fly over the south Lake Travis area beginning at approximately 5:30 p.m., arriving at Lakeway City Park at 5:35 p.m. The flight will track east to west along the southern shoreline of the lake. The jets should arrive in the area of the Oasis Restaurant around 5:31 p.m. coming in from the Four-Points area north of RR 620 and FM 2222.
The F-16s will very likely exit the area near the Lakeway Resort & Spa at just after 5:35 p.m.,” according to Lakeway’s July 4 Publicity Chair, Susan Bowers. “The best view will be at City Park, but they may also be seen at Volente Park, Johnny Fins, Carlos ‘N Charlie’s, and in other areas as well.”
For DeOme, the anticipation is palpable.
“I am really looking forward to the flyover of City park by four F-16 fighter jets,” DeOme said. “This will be an impressive sight that should be observable from many open areas in Lakeway. And if you can’t see them from where ever you are standing at that moment you sure will be able to hear them.”
As always, a spectacular fireworks display at City Park will be the grand finale, starting at 9:30 p.m.
Emmaus Church and the Lakeway Resort & Spa are Grand Marshal Sponsors. Several businesses have returned as Fourth of July sponsors this year. Those include Elaine Garner of Keller Williams Realty, Lake Travis Kids R Kids, Lakeway Marina and The Commons, and a new sponsor, Lakeway.com.
Bowers said the Fourth of July Committee “is very grateful for the support of all of our loyal sponsors. Their support truly enhances our celebration.”