Lubbock 4th on Broadway hopes to carry on Don Caldwell's legacy with 'do-not-miss' event
Organizers for Lubbock's 34th annual 4th on Broadway festival are in the final weeks of planning what is often touted as the largest free festival in Texas.
And from the July 4th morning parade that will take a slightly different route, to the final fireworks in Mackenzie Park, organizers are calling it the do-not-miss event of the summer.
During a promotional event this week, Broadway Festivals officials announced a posthumous memorial in honor of Don Caldwell as the Bolton Oil Parade Grand Marshal. Members of his family will ride in the lead vehicles.
“Don was the driving force behind the event since its inception,” said Katie Sandifer, director of the event. “With his recent passing, it was only fitting to honor him in this way and celebrate his continuing legacy.”
Caldwell died May 23 following a lengthy battle with cancer.
But his passing didn't come before he'd already put work into this year's event, and Sandifer was among organizers who said they're proud to help carry on Caldwell's legacy.
Davis Smith, founding attorney of The Gorilla Law Firm in Lubbock, said his firm was excited to again sponsor the evening concert in Mackenzie Park, which will feature headlining band Smash Mouth, along with a slew of local talent.
"It is really difficult to do this without Don - it's even strange to be in the building without him here," Smith said during the promotional event this week at the Broadway Festivals office downtown. "But we've gotten together, we're going to pull this off and we're going to dedicate this one to Don and we're going to have a good time and you're not going to believe the performance Smash Mouth is going to put on. It's going to blow you away - they're an incredible band."
Lubbock 4th on Broadway events lineup
The full day of family, fun and food is scheduled as follows:
9:45 a.m. - the Bolton Oil Parade begins at Broadway and Avenue J, traveling east on Broadway and ending at MLK Jr. Blvd; it will also be broadcast on KLBK-TV. ·
10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. - Reliant’s Picnic in the Park featuring: o 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. The Gandy’s Kids’ Area hosts tons of free kids’ activities, including inflatables, games and more. o 11 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. BMW of Lubbock Daytime Stages: Four major outdoor stages feature the best of West Texas music, including the BMW of Lubbock Red, White and Blue stages as well as the West Texas Roots Stage. o
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. - Cabela’s Youth Fishing Tournament hosts free fishing for ages 18 and under, along with prizes in several categories. Pre-registration is encouraged.
5 p.m. - River Smith’s Catfish and Cobbler Eating Contests for kids and adults; pre-registration is encouraged.
7-10 p.m. - The Gorilla Law Firm Evening Concert features headliner alt-rock/pop-rock band Smash Mouth. Also appearing:
o Tribute to Selena featuring Gabriella Flores
o Rockin’ ‘80s Tribute featuring the Caldwell Collective
o Blackwater Draw · 10 p.m. The United Supermarkets Fireworks Extravaganza choreographed live to classic and contemporary patriotic music. Parking Information:
· Free parking is provided at Canyon Lake Drive between Broadway & 19th Street from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
· Paid Parking ($5 per car) is available at the South Plains Fairgrounds from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
· Free Shuttle Service to and from the park from the fairgrounds is provided by the Gene Messer Ford and Mullin, Hoard & Brown, LLP.
· Additional paid parking is available down by the park, directly across the street.
All of the day’s events and information are available at broadwayfestivals.com Find more information on the 34th annual 4th on Broadway at www.broadwayfestivals.com and also on Facebook and Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Lubbock 4th on Broadway event to carry on Don Caldwell's legacy
