In Waxahachie, the **28th Annual Crape Myrtle Festival** begins Friday, July 3, at the Waxahachie Sports Complex, 151 Broadhead Road. Gates open at 5 p.m., with festivities starting at 6 p.m. The evening will include food trucks, vendors, a free Whataburger Kids Zone from 6 to 9 p.m., and live entertainment from DJ Madness Jon Bell and ZZTEX. The free concert begins at 7:30 p.m., followed by the H-E-B and Myrtle Creek Community Fireworks Show at 9:15 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and coolers for the show. The celebration continues Saturday, July 4, with a **Veterans Breakfast** at Getzendaner Park, followed by the **Waxahachie 4th of July Parade** at 10 a.m. in downtown Waxahachie. Also on Saturday, The Cowboy Church of Ellis County will host a **free 4th of July Rodeo** at 2374 W. Highway 287 Bypass in Waxahachie. Lunch begins at noon, and the rodeo starts at 1 p.m. The celebration will also include water slides, food, live music and family fun. Midlothian will host its **Independence Day Fireworks Show** on Friday, July 3, at 9:15 p.m. The show will be staged near the MISD Multi-Purpose Stadium, 1800 S. 14th Street. Stadium parking lots open for viewing at 6 p.m., but the stadium itself will not be open for seating. **Midlothian’s Independence Day Parade** is set for Saturday, July 4, at 10 a.m. downtown. This year’s parade is part of the city’s 250th Jubilee celebration and will begin near the base of the 8th Street bridge, travel south to West Avenue F and end at Overlook Drive. Residents should also plan around holiday closures. In Waxahachie, city offices will be closed Friday, July 3. On Saturday, July 4, the Citizens Convenience Station, Lee Penn Pool, Spring Park and Boat Dock Park will be closed. Spring Park and Boat Dock Park will also remain closed Sunday, July 5. Saturday Morning Fitness at Railyard Park is canceled for the holiday. One important reminder: many Ellis County cities, including Waxahachie, Midlothian and Ennis, prohibit personal fireworks inside city limits. Before lighting anything, check your city’s rules — or better yet, enjoy one of the public fireworks shows.