LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) – East Texans in Longview and Marshall gathered Saturday to mark the nation\u2019s 250th anniversary, with events drawing crowds from across the region and beyond.<\/p>\n
The Fireworks and Freedom Celebration at the Longview Convention Complex featured live music, a hot dog eating contest, and vendor booths. Classic and patriotic-themed cars were also on display outside the venue.<\/p>\n
Event organizers said they expected well over 10,000 people at the Convention Complex.<\/p>\n
\u201cI mean I could be at the lake or anywhere else, but I\u2019d rather be here, you know. Celebrate the 250th year,\u201d said Earnest Massey, a Longview resident.<\/p>\n
Tommie Smith and Renay Smith, who live in Daingerfield, were among those who made the trip to Longview. \u201cWe out here enjoying the festivities and seeing good people,\u201d Tommie Smith said.<\/p>\n
Harrison County held its own set of events, including live music and a drone show at the historic downtown square in Marshall.<\/p>\n
Madesen Campbell traveled 17 hours from West Virginia to visit her father in Marshall. \u201cYou see all walks of life coming together today, and especially with family, it\u2019s great to see everyone just unite and celebrate,\u201d Campbell said.<\/p>\n
Some attendees used the occasion to reflect on the nation\u2019s history and future.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe founders, I guess they didn\u2019t think it would be like this but exceeded more, and we can learn more from America. We don\u2019t know what the next 50 years may bring,\u201d Tommie Smith said.<\/p>\n
Jerred Sparkman, who attended with his Grace Creek Church family, shared a similar perspective. \u201cWe were just talking about how 250 years seems like a long time, but in the grand scheme of things, it\u2019s just a drop in the bucket. You know, we\u2019re a fairly young nation, but I believe the greatest nation on earth,\u201d Sparkman said.<\/p>\n
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