Independence Day at the Lake

Canyon Lake-area 4th of July celebrations include a spectacular fireworks display at the lake and a July 4 parade sponsored by Startzville Memorial VFW Post 8800.

Canyon Lake Independence Day Fireworks Show begins 8:45 p.m. Sunday, July 3 at Turkey Cove.

And while Randolph Air Force Base may not have enough planes for a flyover this year, Canyon Lake-area residents who line up for 4th of July celebrations in Startzville (on the south side of the lake) at 11 a.m. won’t be disappointed by the spectacular parade lineup.

Parade Dignitaries

At least 46 parade dignitaries, individuals and organizations have signed up to march or ride during the 26th Annual 4th of July Parade, sponsored by Startzville Memorial VFW Post 8800.

The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. and ends at noon. The route begins at FM 2673 at Old Cranes Mill Road and runs through downtown Startzville before turning off at the VFW post.

FM 2673 at Old Cranes Mill Road will be blocked off by Comal County Sheriff’s Department. Tourist traffic down at Cranes Mill State Park adds to post-parade traffic congestion.

Post-Parade Lunch

Startz Cafe will cater a $10 post-parade lunch at the VFW, 7755 FM-2673. The post’s canteen or bar will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Beer, wine and soda set-ups (BYOB) will be served.

Tessa Teel, club manager of Post 8800, says Quartermaster Kathy Schultz organized the event.

Ham-Radios

Hill Country REACT, a volunteer group that helps charities manage big events, will use their ham-radio expertise to stage participants beginning at 9 a.m. on Old Cranes Mill Road, which connects with FM 2673 just west of downtown Startzville.

“I check you in when you come through,” says Charlie Land, who works on REACT’s public service team. The group also helps with Sattler’s Christmas festivities as well as the Houston MS150 and San Antonio’s Tour de Cure for Diabetes.

“It’s just one way to give back to the community,” he says.

Fireworks

Comal County Fire Marshal Kory Klabunde says spring rains will allow many Comal County residents to shoot off fireworks this Independence Day. However, recent dry weather has increased the risk of fire.

As of Wednesday, June 29, the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), which the county uses to assess the need for burn bans and fireworks restrictions, was at 337, which means a person can dig a little more than three inches to find moisture in the ground. The Commissioners Court can enact limited fireworks restrictions when the KBDI reaches 575.

“There is a moderate risk of fire this summer, so I encourage residents who plan to shoot fireworks this weekend to use common sense,” Klabunde said. “Have a source of water close by, and use consideration for your neighbors, especially those who are veterans or elderly, or who have animals sensitive to the noise.”

Residents within incorporated municipalities should make sure there are no local restrictions against setting off fireworks in city limits, Klabunde said. Meanwhile, Klabunde and his deputies are inspecting fireworks stands, which opened last week, to ensure the safety of the operators and their customers.

The Fire Marshal’s Office will share information throughout the week on its Facebook page: facebook.com/ComalCountyFireMarshalsOffice

Lake and River Updates

Good news for holiday-weekend river-goers: At 4 a.m. Friday, July 1, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began to reduce the rate of release from Canyon Lake to 400 cubic feet per second. Guadalupe River flows will remain at 400 cfs through 9 p.m. Monday, July 4, when the Corps will begin increasing them back to 1,100 cfs – all weather permitting, of course.

Container Ordinances

If you’re new to the area, please read these ordinances about types of beverage containers allowed on Canyon Lake and the Guadalupe and Comal rivers.