The Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a day of 4th of July events in Leonard Park which includes the Leonard Park Pool, Frank Buck Zoo, and the Frankie Schmitz Express Train. The events include:

Ladder Golf Tournament
The events feature a Ladder Golf Tournament which will begin at 3:00 p.m.  If intersted in playing in the tournament, teams my register early by contacting Recreation Coordinator, Tyler Sievert at (940) 668-4530 or by e-mail. You may al so register at the Civic Center located at 311 S. Weaver. Individuals may also register on July 4th at 2:30 p.m. in the Leonard Park Pavilion.  The registration fee is $5.00 per person or $10.00 per team.

"Freeze Out"
The City of Gainesville is sponsoring "Freeze Out" - a homemade ice cream contest scheduled for 6:00 p.m. in the Leonard Park Pavilion.  There will be two categories to enter, the hand crank category and the electric ice cream maker category. There is no fee to enter the competition.  Just bring your homemade ice ready to be judged at the Pavilion at 6:00 p.m.  Judges will make their decisions after taste testing is completed.  Participants are asked to share the remaining ice cream with specators.  The City will supply cups and spoons. Prizes and ribbons will be awarded to the first and second place in each category.

Leonard Park Pool
The Leonard Park Pool will extend it's hours until 8:30 p.m. Included with the regular admission price are free hot dogs, water melon, and bounce houses.

Frankie Schmitz Express Train
The Frankie Schmitz Express Train will also operate with extended hours until 8:30 p.m.

Frank Buck Zoo
The Frank Buck Zoo will operate normal hours from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Leonard Park Pavilion
Beginning at 7:00 p.m, events for all ages will include a water balloon toss, hula hoop marathon, watermelon eating contest, bean bag toss, and others. Also stop by and enjoy the "Cool Zone."

Transportation Services
The Gainesville Trollly will provide free transportation service.  Frequent stops will be made at Booker T. Washington School at the corner of Culberson and Martin Luther King Jr. Streets and the Gainesville Civic Center Parking Lot.  For times and additional information, contact John Broyles at (940) 668-2831.

Flag Retirement
If you have a flag that has served you well and are in need of proper disposal, a flag retirement booth will be available to accept worn and/or tattered American and Texas flags. This is a great time to turn it in for disposal in the proper manner.

Fireworks Show
Bring your family, lawn chairs, and coolers for Gainesville Parks and Recreation's 4th Annual Spectacular Fireworks Show at 9:30 p.m.  The Parks and Recreation Department would like to remind you that no alcoholic beverages are allowed in the City parks.  The fireworks are being sponsored by local businesses.

For more information on any of the activities, contact Patrick McCage or Lynette Pettigrew at (940) 668-4530 or by email.