Independence Day in Round Top
For 166 years, Round Top has celebrated Independence Day with a bang. With a patriotic kick-off on the square, an All-American parade and a barbecue lunch accompanied by beer and music at the Round Top Rifle Hall this year is no exception.
Started in 1851, the Round Top celebration is the oldest Fourth of July observance west of the Mississippi. Through all the years, the Round Top Rifle Association (Schützen Verein) has been at the helm.
The Kick-off
People start gathering early on the square to visit and claim the prime spots for parade watching. At 10:00 a.m., the activities begin in earnest with speeches, music and other salutes to our freedoms.
The traditional firing of the cannon occurring at (or around) 10:30 a.m. depending on the punctuality of cannoneers signals the start of the parade.
The Parade
More than 140 entries, including floats, antique vehicles and equestrian units from across the region assemble to in a memorable Independence Day display of red, white and blue. The route begins at the Round Top Rifle Hall, processes around the square and meanders through the streets of Round Top on the way back to the Rifle Hall. Creativity and candy for the kids are plentiful.
THE YEAR THE ROUND TOP CELEBRATION BEGAN, WAS THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIGNING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.
The Meal and the Music
At midnight, the Rifle Association’s cooking crew fires up the pits at the Rifle Hall. It takes time for the post oak logs to produce enough coals to slow cook 3,000 pounds of brisket, pork shoulder and sausage. The meat and the legendary barbecue sauce anchor the Independence Day lunch plates that include German potatoes, green beans and peaches. Tea, water and beer for purchase at the beer stand keep people cool.
Barbecue by the pound is available beginning at 10:30 a.m. Lunch service begins when the parade participants make their way back to the Rifle Hall usually around 11:00 a.m. Lunch is served until the food is gone, which is usually about 1:00 p.m.
The Round Top Brass Band provides the background music for the meal and the afternoon gathering. It’s the group’s 45th year to perform as part of the celebration.
The day’s events end at 4:00 p.m.
2nd Annual Round Top Inn-dependence Day Jamboree
benefiting the Round Top/Warrenton Volunteer Fire Dept.
hosted by the Round Top Inn and The Compound
Sunday, July 3, 2016
The Compound
Anyone and everyone is invited to join in the fun that includes: afternoon Stars v. Stripes adult softball tournament; afternoon kids’ softball game; evening cookout featuring gourmet sliders and ball park hot dogs; apple pie contest and fireworks in the fields. For more information see www.roundtopinn.com
Registration Information: Dave Weishuhn with the Round Top State Bank is the parade marshal and head organizer. To register or ask questions, contact Dave at 979-249-3151 during business hours or by email at [email protected]. Participants are asked to register early, so organizers will have time to organize.