The 4th of July is a time for families to celebrate our country's independence. It's a time for parents to take their children to the numerous parades, festivals and firework shows that are scattered throughout the country.

Here in east Texas, fireworks displays, cook-offs, live band performances and all sorts of games are available in a town near you. Find out what fireworks displays in and around Lufkin made our top five list after the jump.

1. Freedom Fest - Nacogdoches

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Downtown Nacogdoches
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The annual Brookshire Brothers Freedomfest will take place in downtown Nacogdoches.  The annual event will take place from 5 to 9:30 p.m. in Festival Plaza

Families will be able to enjoy live music, games, lots of amazing food and fireworks. The kids area will feature a dunking booth, slides, moonwalks, and trike races.

Make sure to bring lawn chairs and blankets with you - the fireworks show will start about 30 minutes after the sun sets. But don't wait until the last minute to find seats, because spots fill up fast! Other great areas to watch the fireworks from are at the University Mall, Williamsburg Plaza, Downtown Square, Nacogdoches County Courthouse, Coy Simms Softball Park, Brookshire Brothers on South Street and the Hotel Fredonia. 


2. Ellen Trout Zoo - Lufkin

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YouTube
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Lufkin's biggest fireworks display will be held at Ellen Trout Park at 9:15pm. But don't wait to get there, because there will be plenty of events happening at the zoo throughout the day.

Beginning at 1:00p.m, kids will be able to ride the Z and Oh Oh railroad and multiple vendors will be set up to keep you cool and refreshed.
Live on stage entertainment will begin at 5:00pm.

There will be no parking on site, so shuttle buses will start running at 4:30pm from Lufkin High School to transport patrons to and from the park.

For a little preview of what to expect, click here to watch a clip from the 2006 fireworks display in Lufkin.


3. Lake Jacksonville - Jacksonville

City of Jacksonville
City of Jacksonville
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The annual Fourth of July fireworks show will be held on Lake Jacksonville, in the concession area park, and starts around 9:15 p.m. This is a free event for the whole family.

As the spectacular fireworks display has become a tradition in east Texas, more than a hundred boats fill the lake area under the exploding lights show while on-lookers line the shores.

The Lake Jacksonville Association sponsors the July 4th Fireworks show which is the center piece of other July 4th events and activities around the lake.


4. Kickapoo Creek - The City of Onalaska

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via flickr user anthonycramp
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Onalaska will be holding it's 35th annual fireworks show at Kickapoo Creek - between Huntsville and the middle of Lake Livingston.

Activities that the whole family can enjoy will be going on throughout the day starting at 6:00 p.m., while the fireworks extravaganza will start at dusk. Many say that this display rivals many 'big city' shows - but you'll have to check it out for yourself to find out if it's true!


5. Freedom Over Texas - Houston

Freedom Over Texas
Freedom Over Texas
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If you don't mind driving two hours to Houston, you can join thousands of spectators at the 25th annual Freedom Over Texas outdoor festival.

This year, country stars Jack Ingram, Chris Young and Rodney Atkins will be lighting up the stage, before a spectacular fireworks show lights up the downtown skyline. The event, held between 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on Monday, July 4th, will feature a variety of booth exhibits, family-friendly patriotic activities as well as local musical artist performances.

Admission to the event is FREE with the donation of one canned food item per person for the Houston Food Bank, or $8 per person.

What are your 4th of July plans this year?

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