The Rise And Fall Of 4th On Broadway

If you are one of the sponsors of 4th on Broadway, or one of the many volunteers who make it happen, you are appreciated, and I wish there were more of you.

I worked many years at 4th on Broadway alongside originator Don Caldwell. I don’t know all the machinations of making these things happen, but I was part of the process, and I knew the challenges the event faced.

The 4th On Broadway I Remember

I don’t know if 4th on Broadway had a mission statement originally, but if it did, it would be something like, “To hold a free and patriotic family festival while showcasing the diverse talent West Texas has to offer.”

When Don passed, the talent part of that passed, too. I never thought 4th on Broadway was just about the parade or the evening fireworks. To me, it was more about those hours where we were together as a community, checking out the tents, listening to music, munching on a turkey leg, and drinking a Coke.

Then, apparently, some of the businesses on Broadway got a little tired of the trash, the mess, the noise, and people asking to use their bathrooms. They became less enthusiastic about their support, and the parade started creeping toward its final destination in Mackenzie Park.

Nessmania-The aftermath. Would it really kill people to use the trashcans?

From Family Festival To Hot Asphalt

Then, and I have no idea exactly when this happened, Mackenzie Park was eliminated, and the public part of the event is now held at the fairgrounds.

You mean a kid can’t climb a tree, fish, or enjoy playground equipment while waiting on the fireworks? It feels like the heart was ripped out of this thing.

I love the South Plains Fair, and they are heroes for hosting this, but a kid needs some grass and dirt to play in. That realization is what finally pushed me to write this.

So let’s sum this up: no daytime music, weird parade, no park. What are we even doing? This may still be a great event, but it sure doesn't feel like the original 4th On Broadway.

Read More: Why Lubbock's Teens Need More Support And Engagement Now

Again, I’m sure financial realities encroached on the festival we once knew. I’m sure the people still working on it are doing the best they can with what they have. But the new set up is something I will never get used to.