Fireworks and red, white and blue abound all over Fondren this week!  Join friends, neighbors, merchants and businesses alike as we celebrate Americas independence with a multitude of special events planned in Fondren for your enjoyment.  Two of these are our all-time favorite summer events and bring about that all-American feeling of patriotism while giving a nod to the past and what celebrations used to all be about - street parades, decorated bikes and wagons, covered dish offerings and kids just being kids!  However you choose to celebrate, be sure not to miss the Broadmeadow Neighborhood Association's July 4th Parade on Wednesday morning, July 4th and the FAB Freedomfest on Thursday evening, July 5.  Both of these old fashioned events are sure to please!
 
First, mid-morning at 11:00 on Wednesday, July 4th, join the Broadmeadow Neighborhood Association as it hosts the annual 4th of July Parade at Broadmeadow United Methodist Church.  This year's theme is Red, White and Broadmeadow!   Children and adults are encouraged to participate either in the parade or as spectators.  After all, you have to have both!  Prizes will be awarded to participants or floats who show the most parade spirit.  After the parade, bring your favorite covered dish to share at the potluck picnic lunch.  Hotdogs, chips, lemonade and ice cream provided.  For more information, click the BNA icon below or contact Anna Frame at annapirvis@aol.com or Beth Autry at bbadga@aol.com
 
Second, on Thursday, just when the sun starts to cool, join FAB - the Fondren Association of Business - as we present Freedomfest 2012!  Beginning at 5:00 and continuing until 8:00, this patriotic celebration is a part of the monthly merchant celebration "Fondren After Five".  Positioned on Duling Lawn (corner of Duling Avenue and Old Canton Road), this will be an old-fashioned celebration with carnival games, space jumps, dunking booth, cotton candy, hot dogs, snow cones, popcorn and the like.  Make sure to arrive for the parade portion of the event with yourselves and your bikes, wagons and trikes decorated in red, white and blue patriotic style - and yes, prizes will be awarded.  The evening benefits the Folds of Honor Foundation that provides support to families of soldiers who lost their lives while on active duty.  For more information and sponsors, click the icon below or fabfondren.com.
 
It's celebrations like these that make you proud to live in Fondren.  Join us - happy 4th!
 
David Waugh
FAB, president
Fondren Renaissance Foundation, board member