Independence Day is celebrated annually on the 4th of July and is often referred to as “the 4th of July”. It is the anniversary of the publication of the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain in 1776. Patriotic parades and family events are held across the United States.
Source: https://www.timeanddate.com/
That date in Midland
On July 4, 1929, the Petroleum Building, known upon its completion as the Hogan Building, was officially opened. Groundbreaking festivities for the historic building featured an apparition of “the human fly”, a man who slashed the side of the downtown structure. Source: historian Jimmy Patterson
On July 4, 1985, an estimated 50,000 people flocked downtown to participate in festivities marking the city’s 100th anniversary. Centennial Parks was opened that day and actor Tommy Lee Jones served as the parade grand marshal. The day also featured a 212-page historic edition of the Midland Reporter-Telegram – 172 pages were devoted to the town’s history – which took 38 tonnes of newsprint to produce.
Saturday Events
High Sky Wing plans July 4 flyby
The Commemorative Air Force High Sky Wing will celebrate July 4 with flights over Midland and Odessa. The overflight should begin Saturday noon with eight aircraft: two SNJs, AT-6, L-17, LC-126, Pilatus P-3, Cessna 310 and PT-26, according to a statement from the wing.
People are encouraged to visit the group’s Facebook page — facebook.com/HighSkyWing – for more information and to share videos or images captured from the flyover.
Community band concert
The Midland Community Band will perform a short patriotic concert at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Hogan Park Pavilion, 1201 E Wadley Ave. Take the entrance to the Sibley Nature Center and the lodge is on the left.
The event is free with plenty of room for social distancing, and it shouldn’t last longer than an hour. There will also be a reading of the Declaration of Independence.
The group received written approval for this event from Mayor Patrick Payton, according to the group. Regarding the Governor’s term, Joann Fleming with the community group said, “We plan to be there to play whether or not someone comes to enjoy the music and patriotic reading.
What’s not happening
- children’s parade
- star salute
- Fandango of fireworks in Odessa
- Fireworks at the Scharbauer sports complex
Fireworks inside the city
Possession and discharge of fireworks within the city limits or within 5,000 feet of the city limits is prohibited by law.
It is illegal to possess or discharge any fireworks that must be ignited by a heat source. Small items such as “poppers” are not prohibited. Individuals are subject to forfeiture of all fireworks found in their possession and a fine of up to $2,000 plus court costs.
Fireworks also cannot be discharged on federal, state, or county roads. If individuals plan to discharge fireworks onto private property not owned by them, they must have a written permission letter from the land owner.
The Midland Fire Department is also reminding residents to exercise caution when setting off fireworks. Eye injuries and burns are common in children and should be supervised by an adult. Devices such as sparklers can reach temperatures in excess of 1,000 degrees.
Grass fires are another potential hazard during fireworks season. Have at least one of the following extinguishing agents on hand when setting off fireworks: water, sand or earth, or a portable extinguisher. Never hesitate to call 911 if a fire breaks out.
Source: City of Midland
Open or closed
Walmart, United and HEB — regular hours of operation
Doug Russell Pool – open
Citizens Collection Station, 4100 Smith Road (recycling) — open
Midland County Public Libraries – closed
United States Postal Service – closed, no mail delivery
4th of July Weather
Expected high: 99 degrees
Expected low: 74 degrees
Conditions: Sunny during the day, mostly clear at night
Winds: 5-10 mph
Historical conditions
High medium: 95 degrees
Mid Bass: 70 degrees
Highest temperature: 108 degrees in 2016
Coldest minimum temperature: 60 degrees in 1972
More rain: 0.86 inches in 1956
Note: The National Weather Service reports that there was never any hail on July 4th.
Source: National Weather Service
- Compiled by Stewart Doreen, editor
