JUNE 13

TOMATO FESTIVAL The Tomato Festival, spread across several blocks of downtown Jacksonville, features tomatorelated contests, a car show, a motorcycle show, a Kid’ s Zone, farmers market and live entertainment. The downtown shops will also be open. Don’ t miss out on one of the favorite attractions – the Celebrity Tomato Eating Contest. For a full schedule of events, visit jacksonvilletexas. com / tomato-fest. Information can also be found on the Jacksonville Texas Tomato Fest Facebook page.

COMMUNITY MPACT JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS Community Mpact is hosting the third annual Juneteenth Festival from 10 a. m. to 6 p. m. Saturday, June 13 in downtown Palestine. They will have food trucks, vendors, a car show, a kid zone, live entertainment and more.

JUNE 19

LEAD JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION LEAD presents the Juneteenth Celebration from noon to 3 p. m. Friday, June 19 at 200 Mills St. in Palestine at Major General John F. Phillips Park. The event will have free food, games and fun. Bring your lawn chairs for the event.

JULY 3

JULY 3 FIREWORKS Thousands of locals gather the evening of July 3 to watch an hour-long fireworks program sponsored by the City of Palestine at Steven Bennett Park at Loop 256 and Wanda Street near the Palestine YMCA. This year’ s fireworks are part of an evening-long celebration that begins at 6 p. m. with the dedication of a new sign honoring US Air Force Captain Steven Logan Bennett, the only Medal of Honor recipient born in Palestine. The dedication will be followed by a live performance by tribute band Detroit Steel from Austin. Admission and parking are free, but plan to arrive early to get a good spot. For information call Visit Palestine at 903-723-3014 or visit visitpalestine. com.

JULY 4

AMERICA 250 STAR- SPANGLED JUBILEE July 4 in Palestine will be full of patriotic events to celebrate the 250-year anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The fun starts with the America 250 parade along Main Street at 10 a. m. and continues with historical showcases, a car show by The Journey HQ, pie baking and BBQ contests, a bicycle decorating contest and vendor booths until 2 p. m. For information call Visit Palestine at 903-723-3014 or visit visitpalestine. com.

THUNDER OVER EAST TEXAS AIR SHOW The Thunder Over East Texas Air Show, which features flying demonstrations by US Air Force demonstration teams, starts at 6 p. m. on July 3 at the Athens Municipal Airport at 1875 Airport Road. Proceeds benefit veterans organizations in East Texas. Admission is $ 25 for adults, $ 10 for children 5-12 and free for ages 4 and younger. Reserved seats are available for $ 60, and parking is $ 5 per car. For information visit ccveteransfoundation. org.

FREEDOM FEST AT IOOF PARK Celebrate the United States’ 250-year anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence at the July 4 Freedom Fest at IOOF Park in Corsicana. The festival features children’ s activities, live music, food trucks and fireworks from 6 to 10 p. m. IOOF Park is located at 45th Street and Highway 22 in Corsicana. Admission and parking are free. For information call 903-654-4874 or visit cityofcorsicana. com.

JULY 4

FIREWORKS OVER LAKE JACKSONVILLE Each July 4, a fireworks show is presented over Lake Jacksonville. The fireworks are set off at the point at the end of the camping area and can be seen across the lake and beyond. The event begins around 9:15 p. m. or at dark. Expect a truly spectacular show this year as the 250th anniversary of the United States is celebrated. The Lake Jacksonville campground is located on Byrd Road.

JULY 17- 19, 23- 25

LIVE TEXAS THEATRE MUSICAL Originally opened as an atmospheric theater palace in 1930, the Texas Theatre suffered two fires but has been renovated and now serves as home of the Palestine Community Theatre. This summer’ s production is“ The Enchanted Bookshop Musical” by Todd Wallinger for two weekends, July 17 to 19 and July 23 to 25. Friday and Saturday productions begin at 7:30 p. m., while Sunday matinees begin at 2 p. m. Tickets are available for $ 15 for adults and $ 10 for youth. The Texas Theatre is located at 213 W. Crawford St. For information call 903-394-2173 or visit thetexastheater. com.