Whether it's your first time or your 50th, Canyon 4th of July can be a challenge.

While Canyon might seem like the quiet, boring town south of Amarillo, they actually host a huge 4th of July celebration. Last year, about 50,000 people visited Canyon for the parade, fair on the square, concert, and fireworks. Seeing as the total population of Canyon is only 13,000, that's a pretty impressive crowd.

And people don't just travel from Amarillo or Hereford. You can meet people from Kansas, California, Thailand, and England at the Canyon square on the 4th of July.

If you've never been, you're probably wondering why in the world Canyon draws such a big audience.

The small town charm shines through on Independence Day. You start the day off with a delicious pancake breakfast, courtesy of the Lion's Club, then head to the town square for the parade. The Canyon square is picturesque, with the recently-renovated courthouse at the center of the action. The parade features fire trucks, the cast of the play TEXAS, horses, cheerleaders, and more. After the parade, the fair on the square is the main attraction, where over 150 vendors sell a variety of items. You can also check out the stores around the square (and enjoy their air conditioning).

In the evening, Canyon hosts a concert at Kimbrough Memorial Stadium. This year's performer is Little Texas. After the concert, there will be a fireworks show that you can see from all over the town.

The fireworks show used to be at a local park, but after the crowd got too big, the city moved it to the football stadium.

If you'd like to take part in the celebration in Canyon, all of the details are available on the Canyon Chamber of Commerce website.

Here are 5 tips you will definitely need to make it through an enjoyable 4th of July in Canyon.

  • 1

    Get There Early

    The pancake breakfast starts at 8 a.m., but people start setting up lawn chairs along the parade route even earlier than that. If you want a parking spot that's not a mile away and don't plan on going to the pancake breakfast, try to get to the square before 9 at the very least.

  • 2

    Bring Your Own Water

    It's really easy to get dehydrated when you're making laps around the Canyon square in the July heat. While there are places that sell water, you're better off bringing a full water bottle from home. Make sure you drink water steadily throughout the day or you'll be fatigued and unable to enjoy everything the holiday has to offer.

  • 3

    Pack a Hat and Sunscreen

    While the 4th of July is a great excuse to dress in your cutest red, white, and blue, temperatures can reach well into the 100's. Try to incorporate a hat into your outfit, but if that doesn't appeal to you, stick one in your bag, just in case. And no matter what, wear plenty of sunscreen and bring extra to put on throughout the day. There is nothing more miserable than having a searing sunburn or getting a sunstroke.

  • 4

    Stop In the Shops

    There will be tons of vendors on the square and you definitely want to check them out. However, most of the shops will have really great sales on the 4th of July. Plus, they have air conditioning and some of them offer refreshments.

  • 5

    Prepare for Bathroom Breaks

    Here's a Canyon 4th of July DON'T: Don't end up in a bathroom emergency! There are so many people passing through the businesses on the square, the bathrooms are either closed or completely packed. There might be Port-A-Potties on the square, but, well, Port-A-Potties. Make a plan before you leave to have bathroom breaks. Either utilize a friend's house near the square, plan on staying for only an hour or two, or figure out before-hand which businesses have open bathrooms and hit them early. You don't want to be in a situation where you have to leave the square to use the bathroom and lose your parking spot.

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