174th July 4th Celebration Finalized in Round Top

The year was 1851. Texas had joined the Union only a few years ago. Joel Robinson, one of the captors of Santa Anna, was strolling the streets of Round Top. German immigration was in full swing, due to the Adelsverein, under the direction of Prince Solms von Braunfels, having purchased a league of land two miles out of Round Top. This land was to be used in support of planned immigration. More importantly, it was the first year the Round Top celebrated the 4th of July. The celebration continued even through the dark years of the Civil War. In 1882, the Round Top Schuetzen Verein, aka the Round Top Rifle Association, took over the sponsorship of the Celebration and continues to the present day.

This year’s festivities begin at 10 a.m. on the Round Top Square with welcoming remarks, presentation of the National Anthem, and at 10:30 a.m., Fayette County’s most revered parade starts at the Rifle Association grounds winding its way through the streets of town and making its way back to the Rifle Hall, where a delicious barbecue meal of beef brisket, pork butt, sausage and all the trimmings awaits. Music by the Round Top Brass Band, Cool Freddie and the Crew, and the accordion jam session will entertain throughout the afternoon.

Barbecue meals are available for dine-in or drive thru to go. Barbecue by the pound will be available at the pits. Pre-orders for the meat by the pound are recommended by calling (979) 249-7335. A raffle of 27 different prizes will also be held with the first prize of $5,000. Tickets are available for purchase at the Round Top Mercantile Company, Round Top State Bank, Round Top or Giddings branch, or one of the hall members.

For more information visit us at www.roundtoprifle.com or on Facebook.