Downpour Cancels Concert, Fireworks
The skies opened and the fireworks stayed dark on July 3 night as a slow-moving storm parked itself over North Texas, soaking Olney’s much-anticipated Olney In America Independence Day and forcing the cancellation of headlining events.
What began as an evening of music, food, and fireworks quickly turned soggy after rain began falling around 6 p.m. at the Olney Country Club, the event’s home for the past five years. The Olney Police Department was on scene for crowd safety but, like most attendees, officers took cover as the downpour persisted for hours.
“Wet but uneventful,” is how Interim Police Chief Autumn Thames described the night.
Thirteen food trucks lined the venue and drew large early crowds, but the storm ultimately kept many attendees from sticking around. The lucky festival goers who rented tents stuck it out and were treated to performances by The Brass Buttons and The Foster Sullivan Band, both featuring Olney High School musicians. Country singer- songwriter Aaron Watson, however, did not perform as scheduled.
The Brass Buttons band members Sawyer Edgington and JW Rounsville began the celebration dry but soon found themselves playing in the rain, pun intended, but it didn’t slow the duo down as they continued to play their set to waterlogged attendees, albeit to help lighten the mood and take celebrators’ minds off the deluge interrupting their celebration.
Although attendees tried to stick it out under tents the rain would not relent and after several hours of rain, the Olney Chamber made the decision to reschedule the event for Labor Day weekend.
Several vehicles became mired in the muddy grounds of the country club during the mass exit attempt, but no injuries or major incidents were reported, Chief Thames said.
Kimberly Smith director of the Olney Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the annual event, announced that both the fireworks show and Aaron Watson’s concert will be rescheduled for later this year.
Despite the washout on July 3, Olney residents showed their holiday spirit the next morning, turning out in strong numbers for the city’s traditional
Fourth of July parade down Main Street.
Parade entrants marched patriotically down Main Street, receiving cheers, whoops and hollers and waves and ended at Tommy Perkins Park where everyone enjoyed free watermelon slices, water and lively conversation.
Rain clouds hovered but held their fire long enough for the parade and community celebration.
The post-parade party also featured family- friendly contests, including Most Patriotic Citizen, Best Decorated Parade Transportation, and All-American Pet.
The parade’s main sponsor was Ace Hardware Olney. Other sponsors included Air Tractor, Tower Extrusions, Stewart’s Grocery Store, Brazos Communications, First State Bank, Lunn Funeral Home, B-Tex Ranch, Here’s Your Sign, Myer’s Oil, Ranch and Farming and Smoking Guns BBQ & Catering.
Though the weather tried its best to put a damper on the festivities, Olney’s community pride proved waterproof.
Follow the Olney Chamber Facebook page for details to come about the new date for Olney In America’s concert and fireworks show.