There were carnivals, picnics, parades, and barbecues across the Brazos Valley for July 4th. In Grimes County, dozens of people marched through the streets of Navasota for an Independence Day parade. The parade was followed by rock climbing, live music, and water games for children.makes Courtney Schoessow says July 4th is about giving thanks for those who fought for the country's independence. Schoessow says the holiday also reminds her of treasured family traditions.

"We made homemade ice cream and we put fresh peaches on it. And so every fourth of July I always think about how my grandmother passed down that tradition to us, so that we can pass it down to our children too," says Schoessow

In Brazos County at the VFW 4692 Post veterans also spoke of tradition.

"It's really our tradition and it's important to us and by me being a veteran it's important that I participate in fourth of July," says VFW 4692 member, Charles Smith.

The VFW 4692 Post, hosted silent and live auctions, and sold barbeque plates to the public.

While some people celebrated July 4th by listening to live outdoor music, others learned history at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Admission to the museum was free for everyone throughout the day.

"We had a former president here and we like to see the exhibits, and if anything special is going on for the fourth of July," says Nick Albers.

Though Albers wasn't able to make it to all the events across the Brazos Valley, he said he would enjoy the food and fun while it lasted.