Best Little Parade in Texas

As folks are firing up their grills and the country celebrates Independence Day on Thursday, July 4, the Wimberley community will do its part with its annual “Best Little Parade in Texas.”

Sponsored by the Wimberley Valley Chamber of Commerce, the parade follows a route that is just at a mile long and generally ends within an hour or so of getting started. It’s an example of small town country charm complete with traditional floats, marching bands, riders on horses and much more — all united with this years’ “Stars and Stripes” theme.

The Wimberley Veterans of Foreign Wars will serve as grand marshal for this year’s parade.

“The parade not only celebrates the birth of our nation and is a red, white and blue, flag waving observance of the holiday, but it’s also a way for the community to come together and share this special celebration with neighbors and visitors alike,” says Cathy Moreman, executive director of the chamber of commerce.

The parade begins on Thursday, July 4, at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Green Acres Rd. and FM 2325, which is located near Katherine Anne Porter School and Wimberley Lion’s Market Day Field. Parade watchers are encouraged to fine their place along the route early due to street closures beginning at 9:00 a.m. The route proceeds to Ranch Road 12, crosses over Cypress Creek, continues through Wimberley Square and ends at Blue Heron Run. Parade participants who are walking or riding horses will exit the parade route at Blue Heron while the remaining participants will continue on Ranch Road 12 over the Blanco River and exit the route at Stillwater.

In addition to the parade that morning, other special events taking place that day and throughout the first week in July.

Immediately following the parade, the Wimberley Christian Church, 13706 RR 12, will offer free hot dogs and children’s activities.

The celebration continues Thursday afternoon with Wimberley Community Chorus and the Hill Country Community Band performing two patriotic concerts at the Wimberley First Baptist Church, located at 15951 Winters Mill Parkway. The concerts will be held at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and are free to attend.

That evening, VFW Post 6441 will kick off the 74th Annual VFW Rodeo, which will be followed by a dazzling fireworks display. The rodeo and fireworks show are held at the Veteran’s Park on Jacob’s Well Road and run nightly July 4, 5 and 6.

On Saturday, July 6, the Wimberley Lions host its Market Day from 7 a.m.- 3 p.m. With more than 475 outdoor booths offering a wide variety of treasures, the Market Day is a “don’t miss” event.

Also on Saturday, the Wimberley Community Center will be the place to cool off while enjoying the Big Scoop Ice Cream Festival on July 6 at 1-5 p.m. Sponsored by Camp Good Sam-Wimberley, the annual event is a fund-raiser to support local at-risk students.

“We invite everyone to come see why we call our parade the ‘best little parade in Texas.’ Whether you are a local or a visitor, we hope you’ll stay around and enjoy the rest of the festivities,” Moreman said. “What a great way to kick off a long weekend of celebrating America.”

For those interested in participating in the parade, entry forms can be found on www.wimberley.org or by contacting the chamber office by email, [email protected] or call (512) 847-2201. The deadline for entries is June 28.