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Brooklyn, 9, and Kyndal, 6, Bettis put the finishing touches on their wagon for the children’s wagon parade at the beginning of the Red, White, and Free festival at the Austin County Fairgrounds in Bellville on Monday. This was the first year for this event, which was sponsored by Kristen Tondera in honor of her late husband, who passed away on July 4 last year. The event featured live music, food vendors, inflatables, fireworks, and other activities. RAE DRADY

The Emotions gave a high-energy performance for the crowd at Mynarik Park Sunday, July 3. The attendance for Wallis’ July 4 event may have been the best in the five years it has taken place. PHOTOS BY RAE DRADY

Christian City Fellowship, on Highway 36 North of Sealy, held a July 4 celebration Monday which featured many inflatables for kids, as well as live music and free bomb pops. RAE DRADY.

Three new EMS stations, I-10 construction, local area growth, infrastructure improvements, and peanut butter were among the topics Austin County Judge Tim Lapham and Sealy Mayor Carolyn Bilski covered during the Sealy Chamber of Commerce’s Governmental luncheon at the Sealy American Legion Hall on Wednesday, June 29.

Despite rain chances last week, very little rain fell in Austin County and the area remains in a severe drought. Local fire departments responded to several grass fires over the Independence Day weekend, despite the burn ban. However, not all effects of the drought are quite as obvious. Although rain chances for the end of this week and next week could bring a little relief, local residents should take heed of how much their trees and the economy suffers in these conditions.

Christian City Fellowship on Highway 36 in Bellville will be hosting a Fourth of July event on Monday from 6 to 9 p.m.

There will be live music, free bomb pops, food trucks, inflatables, and fireworks.

For more information, visit www.ccf.life/july4 

Students pictured represented Sealy ISD at the American Legion Texas Boys State program in Austin June 15. At the Boys State program each student becomes a part of the operation of his local, county, and state government. Left to right: Brayton Beam, Parker DeBerry, Tanner Ellis, and Colby Eschenburg. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Sealy American Legion Post 442 and Friends of Sealy American Legion Post 442 pictured gave a charitable donation to the Austin County Rotary Club to help assist in the Joe Scranton Park Beautification Program June 20. Left to right: Larry Kuciemba, Lee Riley, Chrissy McGee, Chelsea Humes, Yvonne Johnson and David Littman. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO