Independence Day celebration in Olney

The Olney Chamber of Commerce sponsored the 2019 Fourth of July celebration in Olney Thursday, June 27. The event grows in popularity every year and attracts participants and residence from Olney and the surrounding communities.

This year, a variety of city officials, businesses and residents participated in the parade that ended at Tommy Perkins Memorial park. Some of the city official and companies included: Brazos Communications, Olney Police Department, Olney Volunteer Fire Department, Mayor Pro Tem Rue Rogers along with his son Ross, Spirit of Texas Ranch from Newcastle, Young County Sheriff Travis Babcock, Olney Animal Control Officer Krystal Barnhardt, Young County Precinct 3 Commissioner Stacey Rogers, Olney Enterprise and Olney Chamber of Commerce Director Stacy Wade.

After the parade, everyone gathered at Tommy Perkins Memorial Park to indulge in fresh treats and the sounds of Gravel Roads Band. Band members include Rudy Bueno (Bass), Chris Widner (Drums), Steve Gray (Steel Guitar) was not present, but Steve Alsup filled in on the steel guitar along with Kenny Gregory (Lead Guitar). The top three songs performed and favored by the crowd included “Folsom Prison” by Johnny Cash, “Working Man Blues” by Merle Haggard and “The Chair” by George Strait.

The Fourth of July celebration would not be complete without the traditional water balloon toss.