Tens of thousands are expected to descend upon downtown Arlington this weekend for two of the biggest 4th of July celebrations in North Texas.
The city's annual "Light Up Arlington" celebration kicks things off Friday night at 6:00 p.m. The free event takes place around Center Street between Division Street and UTA Boulevard. It features live music on multiple stages, vendors, and kids activities – then at 9:45 p.m., fireworks will go off from atop Arlington City Hall.
Arlington resident Michael Sanders staked out his spot just before 11 a.m. Friday.
"If you don't get there and get set early, you're not going to have a seat," said Sanders. "We're already toward the back of the seating area."
Attendance at the event has been so high in recent years, the city decided to expand the festival by approximately four blocks this year to make sure everyone could pack in for the fireworks.
"They'll be going off right over our heads," said Michael DeBrecht, an Arlington Parks & Rec manager who helped organize the event. "You are in the experience."
Thousands are expected to be back out in Downtown Arlington Saturday at 9 a.m. for the largest 4th of July parade in Texas.
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The Seguin High School Marching Band is performing in the parade and got in one last practice Friday afternoon.
"Parades are usually fun," said Alexis Alvarado, Drum Major of the marching band. "It's fun music."
The students haven't marched since last fall. They spent the entire week rehearsing to make sure the crowds like what they hear and see.
"Some of us haven't played since graduation," said Alvarado. "But it's mainly practice, practice, practice."
Spectators for both events are encouraged to park for free at UT-Arlington, which has opened several lots and garages to the public.
Signs on campus will show drivers where to go.
Several parking areas will be blocked off once the parade begins Saturday morning and drivers won't be able to get out of them until after the parade is over.
