Event ready to 'blast' in
Plans finalized for annual fund-raiser
By Lori Mellinger editor@bullardnews.com

City staff and group of dedicated volunteers have been meeting for weeks now to finalize plans for the annual Fourth of July celebration.

"We've gotten some great donations and a lot support from both people and businesses in the community," said organizer and councilwoman Pam Frederick.

The list of raffle prizes is getting longer, and tickets are now on sale both at city hall and Bullard Veterinary Clinic.

For $1, the public has a chance to win anything from gift certificates for food, movies and prizes to golfing expeditions. And while the city is encouraging the public to attend the event, raffle winners don't have to be present to win.

"We don't have all the prizes nailed down right now," said City Manager Larry Morgan, "but what we have so far is impressive."

That list includes a country club golf package and prizes and donations from just about every business in Bullard - as well as many in Tyler and Jacksonville.

"This is a city-sponsored event," Morgan said. "It's a time for city government to give back to the people, and we're glad to do so."

Last year's event netted more than $2,000 for O.L. Ferrell Park, and hundreds attended the event - coming from Tyler and other surrounding areas.

"It's going to be a great night. The fireworks display is - as always - going to be spectacular," Morgan said.

Each year the Bullard Volunteer Fire Department sets off a display that doesn't cost the city a dime.

"It's great to have Danny Ray and Wilkinson Fireworks to help us," Frederick said. "The fireworks alone would be an enormous expense, and they're being given to us."

Morgan said one of the unique things is the "top-notch" entertainment is local.

"We're fortunate to have so much talent in the community," he said. "So it's a great way to showcase Bullard."

Fireworks and music, food and prizes are all included in the celebration, which has become an annual Bullard tradition.

The theme this year is "Blast in the Sky."

Prizes for the raffle will be awarded intermittently throughout the event.

And the ongoing park project is a good cause.

"People are always so kind and giving," Frederick said. She has spent a lot of time on the park, and this is a cause close to her heart.

Local veterinarian and school board member Dr. John Alexander is heading up the musical entertainment.

"John's an expert in that area," Frederick said. "He's been invaluable, and he's been a part of this since the beginning.

"He has talent and a real sense of community."

Alexander's band "Nearly There" will perform, as will 14- year-old local Lauren Alexander - whose single has been on the Texas Top 40 country music charts.

Other acts have yet to be released.

"This is a great tradition for all of us," Frederick said. "It's one of those things that really brings the community together."

The celebration officially kicks off at 7 p.m. at Bullard High School.

"Jim Wright (BISD superintendent) has graciously allowed us use of the facility," Morgan said. "It's really a cooperative effort."

Frederick said that every year she's impressed with the devotion of the committee and the city staff.

"This would never happen without the work they put into it," she said. "They deserve the credit for it all."

The fireworks are set to light the Bullard skies as soon as darkness falls, and residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

"We set off the fireworks every year," said Bullard Fire Chief Keith Newburn. "We enjoy being part of the celebration."

Food will be available for sale, courtesy of Bubba's Texas Barbecue and Grill.

For more information and raffle tickets call Bullard City Hall at 903-894-7223.