The true spirit of patriotism was alive and well at this year’s July 4th parade as the citizens of Lakeway came together to celebrate the city’s 60th anniversary with the theme, ’63 and Free. The City posted, “This theme pays homage to the official opening of the Lakeway Inn as well as the City’s rich history, and is an opportunity to celebrate its continued growth and success.” Lakeway MUD’s participation in the parade each year provides an opportunity to bring the importance of water top of mind, but it was particularly relevant this year, since Lakeway could not grow to what it is today without the abundance of water. In the City of Lakeway’s recounting of the area’s history, William Henry Johnson, better known as “Old Man Bill Johnson” said, “This land was nothin’ until they put that water over there,” referring to Lake Travis.

Our parade float design this year featured a massive waterfall (such as the one found at Hamilton Pool) surrounded by rock, native plants, and flowers with the slogan “The Hill Country Runs on Water.”  We received permission from the statewide Texas Runs on Water campaign to use this slogan from one of their regional campaigns. The campaign recognizes that each region of Texas faces different water challenges, but the importance water plays in our daily lives is indispensable: “From agriculture to industry, from fishing to floating; water is at the heart of everything we do and everything we love about Texas. The crucial role water plays in our daily lives can’t be taken for granted. It’s truly the lifeblood of our state.”

While we fell just short of winning an award this year (as we hear it, the winner also had a band), we truly appreciate the opportunity to participate in the parade each year. We are an integral part of this community and we love how this singular event brings everyone together in a spirit of comradery. As the Lakeway Swim Center staff posted: “The energy was infectious, the smiles were contagious, and the sense of community was stronger than ever!”

Congratulations to this year’s parade entry winners!

• Mayor’s Award: #7 Daughters of the American Revolution, Lohmann’s Ford Chapter
• Firecracker Award: #33 Austin Samba Band
• By Land or By Sea Award: #51 Electric Avenue Athletics
• Stars & Stripes Award: #1 Military Veterans and Standing Military Committee
• Hot Rod Award: #71 Neusel Family
• Yankee Doodle Dandy Award: #53 Lake Travis Youth Association
• Liberty Bell Award: #56 Keller Williams Lake Travis
• Eagle Award: #61 JB Goodwin Realtors
• Sparkler Award: #65 Muddy Wolfe Family