175 Years of Independence Day Celebrations in Round Top
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Parade spectators are lined up around the parade route people can be seen waving U.S flags. A group of antique cars are in the parade line up and the Apothecary is visible in the background. Circa 1970s. Photos courtesy of Rox Ann Johnson of the Fayette Heritage Museum and Archives -
Photograph of horseback riders and covered wagons in the Fourth of July parade at Round Top in 1983. -
After an opening ceremony on the town square at 10 a.m., the civil war-era cannon roars at 10:30 a.m., announcing the start of the parade. Record file photo -
Photograph of three men carrying a Shakespeare at Winedale banner during the Fourth of July parade at Round Top in 1983.
The Round Top community has celebrated the Fourth of July every year since 1851, making this year’s celebration the 175th annual event. The celebration is considered the longest running Fourth of July celebration west of the Mississippi River.
After an opening ceremony on the town square at 10 a.m., the civil war-era cannon roars at 10:30 a.m., announcing the start of the parade of floats and entries that usually number well over 100.
The parade winds through the street of Round Top.
Regarding that cannon – in 1889, for some reason, the cannon did not fire.
The President of the Rifle Association, John George Kaiser, bent over to inspect the cannon when it suddenly exploded. Mr. Kaiser was severely injured and died several days later from loss of blood and infection.
In 1975, in anticipation of the U.S. Bicentennial celebration, then Mayor Don Nagel had the cannon fragments restored so once again it could sound the start of the parade.
As the parade wraps up, many head a few blocks down FM 1457 to the historic Round Top Rifle Hall. Association members have been up all night preparing beef brisket, pork butts, and sausage on the Hall’s huge wood-fired pits. Along with German style potatoes, cole slaw, and homemade desserts round out a delicious buffet lunch is open to the public (tickets are $16 on site), and music is played throughout the afternoon.