7/3 – 7/4: Leave It To The Professionals

FOURTH OF JULY-TIS: Although you could pretty much say this about any holiday, nothing quite says the 4th of July like smoked meats.  I'm sure there is a deep metaphor in there somewhere, but when you get down to brass tacks, come nap time, not even Ambien can take on ribs as the greatest nap-aid ever. That's why there is QueFest at Elgin B. Robertson Park which goes through Saturday night and Sunday. Before you get your zzzzz's on though, be sure to check out the queen of rock, Joan Jett with local favs Black Tie Dynasty tonight and country star Tracy Lawrence with Charlie Robison tomorrow. General admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children under 12.

BET ON BOTTLE ROCKET: You know what goes together like peanut butter and chocolate? Horse racing and fireworks. That's exactly why you need to get down to Lone Star Park for the Lone Stars & Stripes Fireworks Celebration tonight and tomorrow. These two spectacular nights of fireworks will be held at Lone Star Park on Sat, July 3 and Sun July 4 following live racing, which begin at 5pm on both days. In addition, there will be plenty of entertainment for the whole family such as pony rides, a petting zoo, bounce houses, live entertainment and much more. 

BOOM-YA-KA-SHA: D Magazine just voted McKinney one of the best suburbs to live in the metroplex, and with good reason. Besides having one of the best kept town squares in the state, they also know how to throw a good party. Sunday McKinney will host a community-wide celebration of freedom, family fun, food and entertainment. The 3rd annual Red, White and BOOM! will stretch across McKinney from Historic Downtown to Craig Ranch. The event will showcase all the city has to offer, from history and community spirit to outdoor recreation and natural beauty. All Red, White and BOOM! activities are free and open to the public. For more information visit www.mckinneytexas.org or call 972-547-7480.