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Perfect weather, a parade route lined with neighbors, children laughing in Quail Point Park, patriotic music filling the lodge, and volunteers working together everywhere made this year’s HSB POA Independence Day Celebration one to remember.

The theme, Liberty, Community, and 250 Years Strong, honored America’s 250th birthday and reflected what made the day successful: an entire community coming together to celebrate.

The day started early on Hi Circle South, where the Covin Golf Group began inflating balloons for parade participants.

 

 

There was no shortage of red, white, and blue as decorated golf carts, floats, cars, trucks, motorcycles, and children’s entries gathered for the annual Land Parade.

 

NXTLVL played an instrumental role in managing the parade and keeping the long lineup organized. This year’s Grand Marshals were Doug Jaffe and family, Jordan Jaffe and family, Eileen Hurd, and Horseshoe Bay Mayor Jeff Jones.

 

The parade drew what several attendees described as the largest crowd in years. The lineup stretched far down Hi Circle South, and residents gathered along the route to cheer the decorated entries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the land parade concluded, the celebration moved toward Quail Point Lodge and the gorgeous park behind it.

Out front, the Rowland Parking Pals directed traffic and helped attendees find their way. Their work kept vehicles moving during one of the busiest mornings of the year at Quail Point.

In the front of Quail Point Lodge, Star Republican Women sponsored the children’s games. Skee Ball, Football Toss, Plastic Axe Throwing, Soccer Darts, and the Fishing Pond kept children engaged and filled the lawn with smiles.

 

Women Working in Communion and Spirit served complimentary lemonade, while the Horseshoe Bay Business Alliance handed out popsicles, especially welcome as the morning warmed up.

 

 

 

Rounding out the front of the building was Silly Sparkles, making custom balloon animals on demand.

 

 

Then in the back, The Resort was serving delicious hamburgers, chips, and cotton candy!

 

 

And the City of Horseshoe Bay provided hot dogs and cold, bottled water. 

 

The Dog Parade remained one of the day’s most popular attractions.

Hosier N' Friends managed the event with the calm and coordination needed to organize 16 excited dogs and their handlers. The Hosiers kept the parade moving while ensuring every participant received attention.

 

 

 

 

Every participating dog received a swag bag containing a bandana, a tennis ball, a squeaky toy, and a water bowl. The prizes and supplies were provided by Hosier N Friends.

 

While the Dog Parade entertained the crowd in the park, the Horseshoe Bay Police Department managed the Boat Parade on the lake.

 

The timing of the two parades helped bring the entire celebration together. Guests enjoyed the decorated dogs, watched activity on the water, visited food stations, and took part in park activities during the busiest part of the morning.

 

Many attendees commented on how well the Boat Parade coordinated with the festivities taking place at Quail Point.

 

The celebration continued inside all throughout the building.

POA volunteer Louraine Robertson sold the new 2026–2027 Information and Phone Directory and served as an information point for attendees entering the building. Her presence helped visitors find activities, performances, and gatherings throughout the grounds. 

 

Across from the information table, POA employee Whit Holcomb operated the Red, White, and Snap! photo booth. Families, friends, children, and community groups posed with patriotic props against the Independence Day backdrop. Here is a link to the complete photo album from the photo booth.

 

More than 150 unique photographs were taken during the event; great job, Whit!

 

Further down the hallway, POA employee Kirstie Dilworth hosted Kirstie’s Corner for the second year.

 

Created especially for younger children, the space offered patriotic coloring pages, an “I Spy” scavenger hunt, temporary tattoos, and goodie bags.

 

“Parents enjoyed the space where their little ones engaged in patriotic activities for their age, and they could enjoy some peace and cool down,” Dilworth said.

 

 

The quieter indoor setting gave families a chance to take a break while still enjoying activities designed for the youngest guests.

 

Lake Church sponsored the children’s face painting and brought 12 face painters to Quail Point Lodge.

 

Children proudly walked through the building with stars, flags, patriotic butterflies, and junior Uncle Sam designs painted across their faces. The artists brought creativity and enthusiasm to the activity, making it another highlight for everyone.

 

The Lake, Oak and Lodge rooms of Quail Point Lodge were filled for the Patriotic Program. 
Before the program, POA members Jennifer and Tom Stansbury read the Declaration of Independence in recognition of America’s 250th birthday.

 

The Wildflower Dance Troupe, led by Mary Daniel, brought movement and energy to the program.

 

 

The Bluebonnet Chorale, led by Mary Williams, filled the room with patriotic music. Both groups received an enthusiastic response from the audience.

 

The program offered a meaningful conclusion to a morning filled with parades, activities, food, and fellowship.

 

POA President Cynthia Clinesmith described the celebration as “small town America at its best,” highlighting the cooperation among the POA, City of Horseshoe Bay, Horseshoe Bay Business Alliance, churches, The Resort, sponsors, and nearly 100 volunteers who welcomed more than 700 Horseshoe Bay residents and guests.

 

“With children’s activities, food and drinks, land, boat, and dog parades, Wildflower dancing, and Bluebonnet Chorale patriotic performances, it was all that could be hoped for,” Clinesmith said.

 

Here is the photo album from the day; our photographer, Justin from JJC Images, is incredible.

 

 

And lastly, we wanted to thank Al Priest, who has been our "sound guy" for many years. He works hard to ensure that everybody can hear everything. Thank you, Al!

 

 

 

This year’s celebration succeeded because volunteers, sponsors, civic leaders, businesses, churches, performers, staff members, and residents worked together. It was an Independence Day worth remembering.