For Montague County residents there are several great options for July 4th fireworks shows.
Lighthouse Church, 2998 State Highway 59, will host its Summer Shindig at 7 p.m. on July 3. There will be hot dogs, kick ball and fireworks.
The Nocona Lions Club continues hosting its fireworks show at Lake Nocona in Weldon Robb/Jaycee Park on July 4th.
Those wishing to shoot fireworks at the lake may do so at Benton Park, Boone Park or on their private property. Everyone is encouraged to take extra precautions with fire danger, clean up your trash and protect your pets from the loud noises.
Prior to the fireworks show there will be a decorated boat parade on the lake. It starts at 6:30 p.m. at Weldon Robb/Jaycee Park on July 4.
The parade will travel north on the west coastline to Benton Park and circle the lake in clockwise direction to Boone Park (Oak Shores), follow coastline south to Nocona Hills and Lake Estates and finish back at Weldon Robb.
The Lions will accept donations to help defray costs, please contact any

member or check the club’s Facebook page. Fireworks start at dusk.
The Henley family also has a fireworks show at their homes on Lake Nocona on July 4, and while they do not take donations, they do invite those who wish to donate to the Nocona City or Nocona Rural Fire Departments.
Saint Jo Firefighters host their Fireworks Spectacular on July 4th in Boggess Park.
The day opens with the Old Jo’s Firecracker 5K on the town square. The run starts at 8 a.m. This is the 16th year for the run that is chip-timed on a certified course. On-site registration begins at 6:30 a.m. at the gazebo on the square. Enter on the 5K Facebook page.
July 4th Activities will start at 3 p.m. and run through 8:30 p.m. in the park around noon with basketball, kickball, horseshoes and volleyball plus a slip-N-slide. The bounce house requires a $5 armband.
Enjoy free watermelon starting around 3 p.m. until it runs out, plus snow cones and concessions that will start serving at 5:30 p.m. There will be face painting at various fees. Tyler Cook will provide live music. Bring your lawn chairs.

By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
Jim Bowie Days sizzled over the weekend with family fun activities for the entire family throughout the remainder of festival week.
From the opening night of rodeo Thursday that saw high entry numbers through the high-flying action of its final night Saturday Bowie continued its western traditions for Jim Bowie Days.
As the final night of the rodeo got underway, the new 2024 rodeo royals were crowned. Emma Ragan, Sunset, won Miss Jim Bowie Days and McKinley Bratcher, Bridgeport, won Little Miss Jim Bowie Days.
Ragan also received Miss Congeniality, photogenic, apparel (speech and modeling) and horsemanship. Payton Killmer was first runner-up.
In Little Miss Bratcher received Miss Congeniality and horsemanship. GeorgiaLee Martin was Miss Photogenic and Apparel for speech and modeling. Sloane Ragan was first runner-up and GeorgiaLee Martin second runner-up.
Friday opened with the 42 Tournament hosted at the Bowie Senior Citizens Center. Winners were Sue Ramey and Mary Ann Hodges while second place went to David Goodwin and Bill North.

Top photo – Emma Ragan, Sunset, won Miss Jim Bowie Days 2024. (Photo by Cindy Roller)

Read the full results in the mid-week Bowie News and see lots more photos.

For Montague County residents there are several great options for July 4th fireworks shows.
Lighthouse Assembly, 2998 State Highway 59, will host its Summer Shindig at 7 p.m. on July 3. There will be hot dogs, kick ball and fireworks.
The Nocona Lions Club continues hosting its fireworks show at Lake Nocona in Weldon Robb/Jaycee Park on July 4th.
Those wishing to shoot fireworks at the lake may do so at Benton Park, Boone Park or on their private property. Everyone is encouraged to take extra precautions with fire danger, clean up your trash and protect your pets from the loud noises.
Prior to the fireworks show there will be a decorated boat parade on the lake. It starts at 6:30 p.m. at Weldon Robb/Jaycee Park on July 4.
The parade will travel north on the west coastline to Benton Park and circle the lake in clockwise direction to Boone Park (Oak Shores), follow coastline south to Nocona Hills and Lake Estates and finish back at Weldon Robb.
The Lions will accept donations to help defray costs, please contact any member or check the club’s Facebook page. Fireworks start at dusk.
The Henley family also has a fireworks show at their homes on Lake Nocona on July 4, and while they do not take donations, they do invite those who wish to donate to the Nocona City or Nocona Rural Fire Departments.
Saint Jo Firefighters are gearing up for their Fireworks Spectacular on July 4th in Boggess Park.
Activities will start in the park around noon with activities including basketball, horseshoes and volleyball. There also are plans to have some “water activities” with the firefighters.
Families can enjoy free watermelon in the evening, plus snow cones and concessions that will start serving at 5:30 p.m. There will be face painting and a bounce house.
Tyler Cook will provide live music during the evening. Bring your lawn chairs for a traditional, small town fireworks celebration for the patriotic holiday.
Bellevue First Baptist Church will have an Independence Day Celebration on July 3 starting at 7 p.m. Everyone is invited to enjoy food, fun and fellowship capped off with fireworks.
Runaway Bay presents its 49th annual 4th Fest. Activities begin at noon at the Norma Coble Civic Center complete with food trucks and vendors.
Activities will include water slides, a petting zoo, Lions’ Club train, a fire truck display, live music and turtle races.
The patriotic golf car parade lines up at 5 p.m. with the parade rolling out at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks wrap up the day around dusk.
No matter where you celebrate make it a safe holiday week.