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Fort Worth’s Fourth celebration among several 4th of July events Sunday, Monday

Fort Worth’s Fourth celebration among several 4th of July events Sunday, Monday

Many North Texas cities are preparing for their Fourth of July celebrations Saturday night and Monday.

That includes Fort Worth, where Panther Island Pavilion will be packed with North Texans celebrating the holiday Monday night.

Panther Island Pavilion, along the Trinity River, was mostly empty Sunday, but some were setting up early ahead of Monday’s Fourth of July celebration.

“We’re here just to have some fun, watch this beautiful fireworks display,” Tracy Torres said.

Torres runs the food truck, TNT Roasted Corn. He was getting ready to sell his dishes.

“We serve roasted corn, roasted potatoes, corn stuffed roasted potatoes,” he said.

Selling some food while those attending grab a seat to the largest fireworks show in North Texas.

2022 July 4th Fireworks & Events in Dallas-Fort Worth

“We have a new fireworks vendor this year,” event spokesman Matt Oliver said.

Oliver said they’ll have swimming, live music, and plenty of options for all ages.

The event begins at 5 p.m. Monday, with the 30-minute grand finale fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

An issue that’s somewhat typical for this time of year is the heat.

We’re looking at triple-digit temperatures Monday. Oliver said guests can bring a water bottle to use at filling stations.

“So if you bring one in, you know you can stay hydrated all day for free,” he added.

Vendors are certainly expecting a scorcher, but they said it’ll all be worth it once fireworks take over the sky.

“Well, we just do a lot of sweating, but we keep on moving,” Torres said.

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Several events held in North Texas in support of peace in Ukraine

Several events held in North Texas in support of peace in Ukraine

There were several events held across North Texas this weekend as people showed support for Ukraine.

Some have family in Ukraine who were able to get out.

For others, Russia’s attacks are blocking any hopes of their loved ones trying to run.

Fears were heightened on a rainy Sunday in Frisco, as hundreds marched for peace in Ukraine. 

Some wore blue and yellow, while others held the Ukrainian flag high. 

“Day number 11 and I lost my sleep,” said Kateryna Volik.

Volik’s family is in Sumy, along the Ukraine-Russia border. 

“Right now, they are not evacuating nobody from my city because the roads are very bad and a very serious situation,” she added.

Reports of Russia deliberately attacking civilians are ramping up, with the Ukrainian death toll rising.

RELATED: Russian attacks halt planned civilian evacuations in Ukraine for 2nd time, official says

Families are now unable to escape the country with routes to safety turning too dangerous. 

Volik’s parents are stuck, but stepping up to help. 

“My mom is cooking food and feeding soldiers,” Volik said. “She says she’s trying to do civil things and we don’t understand what is the reason.”

According to the UN, 1.5 million refugees have now fled Ukraine.  

This weekend, Ukraine’s president gave a stark warning that an imminent attack is upon Odessa. 

“How do you make someone go and be okay with shooting at people?” asked Tatyana Neuner, who has family in Ukraine.

Her brother and his wife live in Odessa. 

Thankfully, Neuner’s sister and nephew were able to cross safely into Poland. 

“Nobody wants this. The whole world is backing up Ukraine, but it’s not enough,” Neuner said. “Everybody is afraid of Putin because he is trigger happy.”

Also Sunday, Russian Americans protested against Putin in Fort Worth. 

A stark contrast to the scenes in Moscow of Russian resistance. 

Thousands have been detained across Russia for participating in anti-war protests. 

“We have a voice here in this country. Thank God for democracy in the U.S. We can’t stay quiet,” Alyssa Honer said.

Ukrainians living in North Texas are begging for the Russian government to back down. 

“It’s their choice. They have to make a choice to not kill Ukrainians,” Iryna Chernets said.

But for now, Chernets worries her family doesn’t have a choice.

Her father is left frightened in Ukraine’s capital. 

“And we just don’t know what will happen,” Chernets said.