Severe thunderstorms prompted cancellation of Lubbock’s 4th on Broadway evening events, including a concert to feature Smash Mouth and a fireworks show, but not before a full day of events attracted thousands to downtown and Mackenzie Park.
A spokesperson for Broadway Festivals Inc. confirmed all 4th on Broadway events planned for Thursday evening in Mackenzie Park were canceled after organizers spoke with the Lubbock Fire Marshal’s Office. There were no immediate plans for rescheduling the events.
Earlier in the day, the 34th annual 4th on Broadway festival kicked off with the Bolton Oil Parade featuring more than 80 entries ranging from high school marching bands to floats and trucks decorated by businesses, non-profits and other organizations. Late Broadway Festivals Inc. organizer and Lubbock music icon Don Caldwell, who died in May, was honored as grand marshal during the parade.
The event continued with the Cabela’s Youth Fishing contest, cobbler and catfish eating contests sponsored by River Smith’s, live music and family activities in Mackenzie Park. But soon after headlining band Smash Mouth did their early evening soundcheck ahead of their planned performance, strong thunderstorms began rolling into the Lubbock area.
Broadway Festivals organizers said that, after visiting with the Lubbock Fire Marshal’s Office, the decision was made to cancel the remainder of the evening’s lineup, including The Gorilla Law Firm Evening Concert and the United Supermarkets Fireworks Extravaganza.
Although there are no immediate plans for rescheduling those elements, organizers did announce winners from the morning parade and afternoon fishing and eating contests.
Bolton Oil 4th of July parade winners
Commercial:
1st place: The Tire Guy
2nd place: Bruckners Equipment
3rd place: Reliant Energy
Non-commercial:
1st place: Ghost Busters
2nd place: Rise Academy
3rd place: Lubbock High Cheer
Cash prizes were awarded in both the non-commercial and commercial categories as follows: 1st Place – $500 and automatic free entry into the 2023 parade; 2nd Place – $250; 3rd Place – $125.
Judges this year were members of the Fourth on Broadway steering committee. Entries were judged on adherence to the theme, use of color and patriotic decorating, use of music, and group spirit and participation.
Cabela’s Youth Fishing Tournament winners:
Largest fish6 & Under Weston Davis (1 pound, ¾ ounce)7-12 Max Vasquez (3 pounds, 5 ounces)13-18 Baron Harris (4 pounds, 3 ounces)
Smallest fish6 & Under Elliana Vasquez (1/2 ounce)7-12 Jackson McMasters (1/8 ounce)13-18 Adam Nichols (1/8 ounce)
Most fish6 & Under Elliana Vasquez (8)7-12 Kingsley Wilson (26)13-18 Xavier Vasquez (23)
River Smith’s Catfish Eating contest winners:
Cobbler Gobbler6 & Under Nikolaz Garza7-12 Luna Anthony13-17 Tristan MerkeyAdult Anthony Williams
Catfish Eating6 & Under Nikolaz Garza7-12 Aramis Garza13-17 Tristan MerkeyAdult John Lixeu
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Lubbock 4th on Broadway saw highlights despite canceled fireworks
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