It’s a community affair as Heath goes red, white & blue for July 4

Celebrating Freedom, Safely…

(HEATH, TX – June 22, 2020) The Heath community loves its traditions, including the Annual Independence Day Parade and Patriotic Program. So it was not an easy decision to celebrate differently during this season of COVID-19 concerns.

“When you have a tradition where half the town is in the parade, and the other half is watching, it’s impossible to ensure social distancing and Governor Abbott’s protocols for large outdoor gatherings,” said Heath Mayor Kelson Elam.

“But from the onset of this pandemic, we have proceeded with an abundance of caution for the sake of our citizens and their safety and health. We will continue to do so in Heath as long as necessary.”

Even the City is not having its parade, the Special Events Board with the support of Heath DPS, City Staff and City Council are working hard to present festivities that celebrate freedom and honor our Veterans.

On July 4 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., the City bring the festivities to Heath neighborhoods that include old fashioned ice cream trucks loaded with the traditional free red, white and blue popsicles and all kinds of other treats for purchase. (Even adult Mimosa ice cream!)

Heath DPS will lead the ice cream trucks with the sirens and lights ablaze, and other decorated vehicles circulating include City Councilmember families who will be judging the first ever Heath Hometown Decorating Contest.

To participate, submit your name, email, phone and address to sbrooke@heathtx.com by July 1. Then drench your home or business in red, white and blue by July 3. Judges will drive by as many homes/businesses as possible. 10 Winners will be announced by 4 p.m. on July 4 and receive a $50 gift card to a Heath restaurant.

The City is also offering its traditional patriotic spirit t-shirt for just $15. You can order them online by midnight June 29 for pick up week during the week of June 29-July 3. You can find the link at www.heathtx.com.

WATCH FOR MORE INFO

The Drive By route for the ice cream trucks and approximate times will be posted by June 26 at www.heathtx.com and shared on social media. In the meantime, plan your family front yard gathering to celebrate, safely!

“We thank everyone for their understanding and positive support,” said Mayor Elam. “We also thank our Special Events Sponsors and the Special Events Board for their hard work and creativity to continue to make happy holiday memories in Heath.”

As published in Blue Ribbon News’ June/July 2020 print edition.