Every year for the past two decades, the July Fourth tradition in the city of Allen, Texas takes place on the last Saturday of June. This 2024, the city’s beloved and largest event Allen USA once again honored Independence Day on June 29, drawing thousands of attendees.
Aside from a variety of food trucks, the event included a skydiving show, a live concert , and a fireworks finale – one of the largest in Texas. The event is free admission and a new policy this year required each attendee to have a free ticket to enter, including young children.
Attendees were also not allowed to bring alcohol to the event. For minors under 18, a parent or guardian had to accompany them at all times.
The Texas Insider’s Special Events reporter Crystella McIvor interviewed Allen’s new chief of police, Mr. Steve Dye, regarding the new restrictions. He said,
“This is a family event and we want it to be family friendly. So these extra measures, along with the clear bags, that’s just to keep everyone safe.”
Crystella also spoke to Allen’s former mayor, Mr. Ken Fulk. He has attended the celebration every year since it started.
“I’m a veteran. I’m very patriotic. I love serving my country. I love serving my community, and this is an opportunity to celebrate everybody that does the same thing,” Fulk said.
This year’s attendees said they enjoyed the annual tradition and loved being able to celebrate Independence Day with their community.
“I’ve come every year since I was a child. It’s a celebration of our country and community and fireworks,” – said Cheryl, one of the young adult attendees.
“The Fourth of July has always been one of my favorite holidays as a military spouse…So this event – just being with the community is just amazing,” said Veronica, a military spouse who attended the event with her son Tyler.
Another Allen resident, Sandra, brought her granddaughter to the event to celebrate their patriotism with their loved ones.
“It’s our amazing independence and our freedom – it means the world and it’s something you’re very thankful for.”
Allen USA has reportedly attracted an average of 100,000 people each year.
The city of Allen is a northern suburb in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex with a population of 104,627 in 2020, according to the U.S. Census.
Check out other free admission Fourth of July celebrations in North Texas below:
ARLINGTON INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE
“The Arlington Independence Day Parade is one of the largest 4th of July parades in the United States, the largest in Texas, and one of the longest running annual events in Arlington.” July 4 at 9 a.m. at W. Mitchell St, Arlington.
LIBERTY BY THE LAKE, THE COLONY
Annual Liberty 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run, community parade, a concert, food vendors, and fireworks. July 4 in The Colony.
FAIR PARK FOURTH, DALLAS
Fireworks, open museums, kids activities, local market vendors, live concert, entertainment, and food trucks. July 4 from 4:30 to 10 p.m. at Fair Park, Dallas. fairparkdallas.com/events/detail/fair-park-fourth-2024.
JULY FOURTH FIREWORKS CELEBRATION, DESOTO
Family-friendly event with music, food, kids activities, and fireworks. July 4 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Grimes Park, DeSoto. Free.
FORT WORTH’S FOURTH
Large-scale celebration with food, kids activities, live music, and fireworks show along the Trinity River banks. July 4 from 5 to 10 p.m. at Panther Island Pavilion.
HOMETOWN FOURTH OF JULY, GRANBURY
Known as a traditional July Fourth celebration, Granbury’s 3-day event features a parade with floats, marching bands and local groups. There will be artisan vendors, live music, hot dog- and pie-eating contests, and finally a fireworks show. July 4-7 in downtown Granbury.
RED, WHITE AND BOOM, MCKINNEY
McKinney will hold its own Independence Day celebration with a parade, food, kids activities, a concert and a fireworks display. July 4 in McKinney – check out website for specific schedule.
