Funtastic Fourth

A little rain wasn't enough to stop Fourth of July celebrations.

Parents huddled under umbrellas on Jackson Avenue in Harlingen on Friday as their children cheered a parade of fire engines, trail riders, a classic car and truck and tiny twirlers.

Watermelon, ice cream and live rock ‘n' roll were served up at the parade's end at Gutierrez Park, where about 500 people gathered.

In San Benito, as many as 1,000 people were said to have turned out for the first Resaca Fest, one year in the making. Families took in a day of music, dance, school skits, arts and crafts, food and fireworks.

As the sky drizzled rain before the start of Harlingen's parade, Mayor Chris Boswell was expressing optimism.

"If we have ice cream, we have a parade," Boswell joked, glancing at the Blue Bell ice cream truck decorated with a pair of American flags waiting in line for the parade.

Thirteen entries had registered for the parade. But even as it rained early Friday morning, three more people signed up.

One of them was Mario Magana Jr., 22, who signed up his 1964 Chevy C10 pickup, painted blue and white and decorated with red stars.

"I finished working on it last week and figured this was a good time to show it off," he said. He ended up winning second place in the Harlingen Jaycees parade competition.

Another entry was a 1930 Model A Ford that Rod Applegate, 59, said he bought in parts on eBay.

Two riders from Rio Rancho Trail Riders of Primera also participated. "More would have shown up if it weren't for the rain," said Ramiro Flores, wearing an American flag shirt.

But the families who lined Jackson Avenue said they would have shown up rain or shine.

"We came out so the boys could have the whole experience of Fourth of July, Independence Day," said Chris Hall, 48, a First Baptist Church staff minister who was with his wife and sons, ages 4 and 6.

"I feel like people don't appreciate the country, freedom. I'm trying to stem the tide, I guess, in my own little way."

Luis Hinojosa, 27, said he also wanted his children to see a patriotic event.

"It doesn't happen every day. We thought we would like the kids to experience an old-time parade and get to see the community come out and celebrate the country's independence," said Hinojosa, who was with his wife, 7-year-old son, 3-year-old nephew and mother-in-law.

At Gutierrez Park, Boswell invited residents to "celebrate the founding of the greatest nation on earth."

In San Benito, arts and crafts and food vendors filled Heavin Amphitheater Park.

"I think it's a great turnout," City Manager Victor Treviño said.

"I can imagine what it would have been like if it hadn't rained."

Mariela Longoria, 28, and her three children, ages 6, 7, and 8, were among a line of families who didn't seem to mind the mud around the food vendors.

"We want to celebrate our country and our independence. We wanted to teach our children about patriotism," Longoria said.