While cities and towns across the country will be rejoicing in the country’s 250th anniversary in grand style this year, only one community can claim to have a truly landmark Fourth of July event.

That great distinction is owned by Round Top.

This year, Round Top will mark its 176th annual Independence Day festivities with its annual parade – the longest-running Fourth of July celebration west of the Mississippi River. The day-long event, which begins with a town parade, attracts as many as 5,000 to 10,000 visitors each year.

Sponsored by the Round Top Rifle Association (originally, the Round Top Schutzen Verein, a German heritage society and social club), the parade is full of small-town charm with brass bands, floats, fire trucks, horses, and antique cars and tractors. It is a tradition Round Top traces back to 1851.

“For Round Top, this is a pretty big deal,” said Michael Saks, past president of the Round Top Rifle Association. “This year especially.”

The festivities kick off on July 4 at 10 a.m. at Town Square, and the parade begins at 10:30 a.m. (the route begins and ends at the historic Rifle Association Hall, 710 FM 1457). Following the parade, the Rifle Association hosts a barbecue meal beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Rifle Hall. For $20 a plate, guests can enjoy a barbecue brisket and sausage meal along with free music. From 6 to 10 p.m., a dance with music from the Rocky King Band will be held ($20 at the door).

America’s semiquincentennial isn’t just a milestone for the country, it’s a landmark moment for Round Top. For the nation’s 250th birthday, the Rifle Association is pulling out all the stops. The parade promises to be the best yet, full of American pride, Texas flair and Round Top spirit.

“You will definitely know you’re in Texas,” Sacks said, “and in America.”

For more information on Round Top’s Fourth of July Celebration, see roundtoprifle.com

‍