July 4, 2026

Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary of INDEPENDENCE!

Lots of events activities all around town!

250th Independence Day Celebration
Location: Rooney Park

8:15a Freedom Run 5k
– Hosted by Lonerunner Run Club
– Registration begins at 8:15 am, start time 9:30 am
– More info and registration: https://www.lonerunner.company/events/p/freedom-run-5k

9a Pickleball Tournament
– Hosted by FSHS Tennis

9:30a Sand Volleyball Tournament
– No additional information provided

10a 250th Independence Day Parade
– Hosted by Crystal Rivera
– Register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfP6Re97CpGs5rgGJcJE8HO5V4Acfz8URL4UkplkytlrdTN8Q/viewform
– DEADLINE TO REGISTER ONLINE IS JULY 3RD
– Line-up begins on N Rio St at 9:30 am
– Parade route: Dickinson to Main St, left on 1st St, ending at Rooney Park
– Call Crystal at (915) 333-9439 for more information

10a Corn Hole Tournament
– Sponsored by Texas Farm Bureau
– sign up by the basketball courts at 9:30a

Noon-5p Flag Retirement Ceremonies
– By Historic Fort Stockton Living History Unit

Noon-Midnight Vendors & Activities

Noon-7p DJ Entertainment

1p Bingo
– Hosted by Pecos County 4-H
– Large Community Hall

2p Hot Dog Eating Contest
– Pecos County 4-H
– Pit 4

4p Ice Cream Eating Contest
– TNMP
– Pit 4

6p Watermelon Eating Contest
– Fort Stockton Chamber of Commerce
– Pit 4

7p Live Music with Lee Mathis and the Brutally Handsome Band
– Sponsored by Fort Stockton CVB

The following events will begin after dark – times are dependent on weather & other factors – usually around 9:30 or 10

National Anthem by Rita Capuchina
– Sponsored by Fort Stockton CVB
– Please stand and face the flag, right hand over heart, and remain silent during the performance. If you are unable to see the flag, face the music

Fireworks Display
– By the City of Fort Stockton

Live Music with Rita Capuchina y Animo until midnight
– Sponsored by Fort Stockton CVB

VENDORS: There will be a dedicated area for vendors, but space is NOT reserved. Registration for vendor space is not required. Ensure you have any required permits from the City of Fort Stockton. Vendors may set up anytime after 8 am on July 4. The vendor area is between the island and the tennis courts.
The parking area in front of Pit #4 is NOT available for vendors.

Honor the Stars and Stripes:
Proper Flag Disposal and a Call to Ceremony

Our nation’s flag is a powerful symbol of liberty, justice, and the American spirit. It represents our values and is displayed with pride. But what should you do when your cherished flag becomes tattered, worn, or faded? Storing it away or discarding it improperly does not honor the respect it deserves.

According to the U.S. Flag Code, when a flag is no longer fit for display, it should be retired in a dignified and respectful manner, preferably by burning. This solemn act, often part of a public ceremony, ensures that the flag is honored in its end.

We invite you to give your worn-out flag the respectful retirement it deserves. The Historic Fort Stockton Living History Unit will hold official flag retirement ceremonies at Rooney Park on July 4th. This event is an opportunity to join your community in a time-honored tradition that pays tribute to our nation’s most revered symbol.

Please bring your tattered, faded, or torn flags to the ceremony. Join us in this solemn and important act of respect for our nation’s flag.

Pecos County Historical Commission Events
at the Rollins-Sibley House & St. Stephens Episcopal Church (Historic Fort Stockton)

• Wall of Honor – American Legion Post 234 – at the Rollins-Sibley House
• 10a Patriotic Military Float – See Parade info
• 11a Vintage Car Show – Lannom Collection
• 11:30a Commemorative Mass – 130th Anniversary of St. Stephens Episcopal Church
• 12p Open House – Rollins-Sibley House & Hovey School, Free tours and Kids Activities
• 12p – 2p Picnic On The Lawn – Food served from noon to 2 pm
• https://www.facebook.com/events/1457103192849779

Why are you asking us to stand during the anthem?

The National Anthem symbolizes America’s core value: freedom. Standing, facing the flag, and remaining quiet is a sign of respect for everything our flag represents, and for the people who have made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure we enjoy those rights and freedoms today.

United States Code Title 36, Subtitle I, Chapter 3, §301 – National anthem

§301. National anthem

1. Designation.—The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.
2. Conduct During Playing.—During a rendition of the national anthem—
   1. when the flag is displayed—
      1. individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;
      2. members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and
      3. all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and
   2. when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.

Other groups and organizations are planning additional activities throughout the park. We will update this page with details when we have them.

Help make this celebration even better by getting YOUR group or organization involved!
Send your activity, tournament, or event details and posters/flyers to membership@fortstockton.org,
or call the Chamber at (432) 336-2264