Fun on the Fourth
The Downtown Band helped Lewisville rock, swing and roll to a wide variety of musical favorites throughout the July Fourth Celebration in Shallowford Square.
Small Town, Big Celebration
Lewisville may be a small town, but we sure know how to celebrate the Fourth of July. The ingredients are simple: good music, a lawn chair or blanket, some good eats, and people who enjoy being with each other. Oh, and spectacular fireworks, too!
This year’s big Fourth of July Celebration in Shallowford Square featured The DownTown Band playing non-stop under the pavilion till the last blast of the fireworks later in the evening. The band’s range of pop and southern and classic rock offered something for almost everyone.
As the evening wore on, the crowd had grown until it seemed that Shallowford Square could hold no more. Yet the celebration wasn’t limited to the Square. Folks had gathered all along the main thoroughfare through Lewisville and along nearby side streets to celebrate the Fourth of July with family and friends.
At some point during the fireworks display, the band performed Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.” The song reminded me of the privilege we have to gather freely, to celebrate the foundations of our country — and even to have fun on the Fourth of July.
Please continue to the NEXT SECTION for more PHOTOS. CLICK for more Fun on the Fourth
Summer Reading Kick-Off
Sno-Kones were popular with the kids who attended Lewisville Library's 2009 Summer Reading Kick-Off program.
Big Bang Boom and More!
A little over a week ago, on June 15, Lewisville Library held its 2009 Summer Reading Kick-Off program under the oak trees at Shallowford Square.
With the lively music of the children’s music group, Big Bang Boom, it’s possible that promoting summer reading has never been more fun. The children eagerly sang and danced to the band’s fun tunes and imaginative lyrics. I even spotted quite a few parents joining in, too!
The Friends of the Lewisville Library also provided several tables piled with children’s books that could be purchased at bargain prices. When Big Bang Boom concluded their portion of the program, many of the children concentrated on getting free Sno-Kones and playing with bubbles.
Photo Gallery
To see more photos of this fun event, please visit the 2009 Summer Reading Kick-Off photo gallery.
Lewisville Beach Blast
Dancers of all ages swayed to live music performed at Lewisville's 2009 Beach Blast. The Fabulous Kays, shown in the background, were followed by The Embers later in the day.
Hot Day, Hot Music
A hot day with hot music is an apt summary of Lewisville’s 2009 Beach Blast held this past Saturday (June 20). The high temps didn’t seem to matter to those who danced away in the faux beach area in front of the bandstand. Music, laughter, and the wonderful aroma of grilled burgers, hot dogs, ribs and other treats filled the air around Shallowford Square.
The Fabulous Kays, from Charlotte, opened the event and were followed by The Embers.
Early Departure
For the second year in a row, my photo coverage of the Beach Blast was cut short due to the onset of severe leg cramps. Although I thought I had prepared adequately to prevent leg cramps this year, my strategy failed. Unfortunately, my early departure meant that I made no photos of the latter portion of the event — and thus no photos of The Embers — for which I am disappointed.
I’d like to thank members of the Lewisville Fire Department who came to my aid once more. (Gentlemen, I honestly did not want to meet you again under such circumstances!) Others who assisted me before the Fire Department guys took over were several unknown folks, as well as David Matthews, a town staff person. Thank you all for your care and concern.
Photo Gallery
I did manage, though, to take a number of photos before my early departure. If you’d like to see some highlights of the event before I was literally hauled off the scene, please visit the 2009 Beach Blast photo gallery. And if you’re curious, check out last year’s Beach Blast photos in the 2008 Beach Blast photo gallery.
Peter Pan Prevails
Peter Pan (Joy Dorsey Rushton) battles Captain Hook (Jim Shover) in the 2009 production of Peter Pan by the West Side Civic Theatre at Shallowford Square in Lewisville, North Carolina.
Update
Where have I been for the last four days? Well, I’ve been with Peter Pan. More specifically, I’ve been immersed in the editing and processing of the more than 6,000 photos I shot during the recent performances of Peter Pan. I’ve finally come up for air!
Peter Pan — A Great Show
I hope you had an opportunity to see Peter Pan, because it was so well done, and so enjoyable. Everyone affiliated with the West Side Civic Theatre can rightfully be proud of the efforts made to pull off a great rendition of Peter Pan.
Of course, the production cost for Peter Pan was considerably higher than any other show the theater group has produced in its eleven-year history. A significant portion of the expense had to do with the setup and training for the flying aspects of the show.
If you’d like to make a donation to the West Side Civic Theatre, you can do so online by visiting their website and clicking on the “Donations” link.
Mark Your Calendar
The next musical by the West Side Civic Theatre will be The Pirates of Penzance. The dates for that show are September 4–6 and 10–12. So mark your calendar and get ready for more pirates at Shallowford Square in September.
Photo Gallery
Finally, the moment some of you have been waiting for — visiting the Peter Pan photo gallery. CLICK for more Peter Pan
