Things to Do

Summer Fun at the 49th Annual AquaBoom: The Granddaddy of Hill Country Celebrations

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Celebrating its 49th year, this summer AquaBoom makes its way back to the Hill Country in Kingsland, Texas. This small town in Llano County knows how to throw a good party. The 2018 theme is A Salute to Freedom. Entirely free to attend, AquaBoom is an event many look forward to all year. It’s been called the “Granddaddy” of all Texas Hill Country celebrations. A chance to celebrate Independence Day and join together with friends, family, and neighbors, AquaBoom is a tradition vital to the community and tourists alike. Event organizers work all year to make the festival a success.

The Annual Miss Aqua Boom Scholarship Pageant takes place June 23 as a precursor to the main AquaBoom events. The scholarship awarded to Miss Aqua Boom will total $3,500 and is open to residents of Llano and Burnet counties.

Summer Fun at the 49th Annual AquaBoom: The Granddaddy of All Hill Country Celebrations

Photo: Facebook/Aqua Boom July 4th Kingsland Texas

Events that participants can look forward to between June 30 and July 4 include a Veterans Dinner, the AquaBoom State Championship BBQ Cook-off (which includes a steak cook-off), an arts and craft show, many tournaments, water events, pony rides, and a patriotic concert. That’s just to name a few! Did you notice how many of these events include food? Plan to bring a healthy appetite. This family-friendly festival will also host children’s games and rides, as well as a horseshoe pitch tournament. Kids will love the rubber duckie race! If that weren’t enough, there will be the Annual AquaBoom Golf Tournament on June 30.

The celebrations on the 4th of July begin early in the morning as the community gathers along RR1431 and RR2900 for a pair of spectacular parades. The Children’s Parade and the Land Parade never fail to thrill viewers, and along the route, you’ll find food vendors, snow cones, and a carnival.

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Photo: Facebook/Kingsland Aqua Boom July 4th Kingsland Texas

In the afternoon, make your way to the 2900 Bridge. Experience more food and great music, as well as a boat parade and wacky raft race. No Independence Day celebration would be complete without a grand fireworks display, the stand-out event of the celebration. When the Texas skies are dark, then comes the main event we’ve all been waiting for. This year’s awe-inspiring fireworks show is a fitting tribute to this nation’s independence! Bring chairs or a blanket to thrown down, and settle in while you enjoy the show.

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Photo: Facebook/Aqua Boom July 4th Kingsland Texas

No celebration is complete without music and dancing. Concerts will take place throughout the festival, and the annual Street Dance is where participants of all ages can shake a leg. Also be sure to check out all that the town of Kingsland and Llano County have to offer. From boutique shops to fascinating museums, there’s so much to explore!

Check out the AquaBoom Facebook page for updates, and make plans to attend and join the fun. You won’t want to miss it!