Once again another Fourth of July has come and gone and once again we in Austin celebrated with an exceptional parade and festivities at the Bandshell Park.  And of course we had two evenings of fantastic fireworks.

I would like to thank Sandy Forstner and his staff for all the work they put in towards making this such an exceptional event.  Of all of our celebrations in Austin, the Fourth of July truly brings our citizens together in celebration as no other holiday can.  But it takes a lot of effort from Sandy and his staff, not only with the 14-hour days they put in on July 3 and July 4 but also all the preparation that goes in to the planning and financing of the events and fireworks.  There are also many businesses who help sponsor the 4th, not to mention Kim Underwood and her staff at Park and Rec, the police and firemen and the many volunteers.  We truly could not have this holiday event without them.

—Austin Mayor Tom Stiehm