HOUSTON – Heat and humidity didn’t deter crowds from coming out to the Courthouse Square in Houston Saturday for the annual Homecoming celebration. Usually held the last Saturday before the fourth of July, the event was rescheduled this year to coincide with the Fourth landing on a Saturday.

Following the veteran’s and children’s parade, emcee Chuck Carroll of French Camp Radio welcomed the crowd, reminding them of the significance of Independence Day and reading the list of veteran’s names who participated in the parade.

“Today, we can have this Fourth of July celebration because of people just like this,” Carroll.

Supervisor Tommy Criddle also recognized the veterans in attendance and commented on their contributions in light of the holiday.

“The freedom we celebrate today was by no means free,” Criddle said. “We should never forget those who gave their service and their lives for our freedom.”

Carroll also extended a warm welcome to the Houston High School Class of 1959 who scheduled their 50th reunion on Homecoming weekend.

Guests enjoyed live entertainment while children made good use of inflatable jumpers and slides. Several local groups vended food and drinks to support their projects. As the evening went on, more and more people joined the party until the east side of the square was a sea of lawn chairs filled with residents and friends engaged in fellowship.

The evening was capped with a 20-minute fireworks display.