NAVASOTA CITY COUNCIL
This year’s Freedom Festival will carry special significance as the City of Navasota joins communities across the country in recognizing America250,thenationalcommemorationofthe 250thanniversaryoftheUnitedStates.
On Saturday, July 4, 2026, residents and visitors are invited to Historic Downtown Navasota for the 6th Annual Freedom Festival, a full day of patriotic celebration honoring both Independence Day and the historic milestone ournationisapproaching.
For generations, Independence Day has been a time for neighbors, families, and communities to gather in celebration of the freedoms and opportunities that define the American story. As the nation prepares to mark 250 years since the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence, this year’s Freedom Festival will reflect both the pride of our past and the excitementofthefuture.
Presented by Stylecraft as the Platinum Sponsor of the City’s America250 celebration, this year’s eventwillfeatureexpandedactivities,livemusic, and a brand new experience lighting up the Navasotasky.
The day begins at 11:00 a.m. with the Freedom Festival Parade, a longtime community traditionthattravelsthroughHistoricDowntownNavasota.Localbusinesses,organizations, andcommunitymembersareinvitedtoparticipateandhelpkickoffthecelebration.
Beginning at noon, Navasota City Hall will transform into a family fun zone featuring kids activities and carnival rides throughout the afternoon. Families are encouraged to spend thedaydowntownexploringlocalshops,enjoyingfoodandentertainment,andcelebrating togetherasacommunity.
Theeveningentertainmentbeginsat5:30pm withlivemusic ThestagewillfeatureAllHat No Cadillac, bringing fans the best of 90s country hits, followed by Last Child, performing classicrockfavorites.
New to the festival this year is a spectacular drone light show honoring America250. The choreographed display will illuminate the night sky while celebrating the spirit and history of the United States as communities across the country mark the nation’s 250-year milestone.
Following the drone show, the evening will conclude with Navasota’s highly anticipated fireworks display, lighting up the sky over Downtown and bringing the Freedom Festival celebrationtoamemorableclose.
Each year, Freedom Festival brings families, visitors, and patriotic pride to Downtown Navasota.WiththeaddedsignificanceofAmerica250andseveralexcitingnewexperiences planned,thisyear’scelebrationpromisestobeoneofthemostmemorableyet.
Residentsareencouragedtomarktheircalen celebratingcommunity,country,andthespirit
Event details, parade registration, and m NavasotaTX.gov/FreedomFestival.
April
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF THE NAVASOTA PUBLIC LIBRARY
SUMMER SOUNDS ARE BACK IN NAVASOTA
Summer in Navasota means music, community, and evenings spent downtown enjoying live entertainment, and this year the City is inviting residents and visitors to celebrate all seasonlongatSoundsofNavasota
Thepopularconcertserieswillfeaturethreespecialeventsthissummer,eachbringinga differentstyleofmusicandareasonforthecommunitytogatherandcelebratetogether.
The series kicks off on May 16 with a Summer Kick-Off Celebration featuring the highenergy party band MangoPunch!. Known for their lively performances and crowd favorites, MangoPunch! will help start the summer season with a fun night of music, dancing,andcommunityspirit.
The celebration continues on June 20 with a special Juneteenth Celebration featuring KeyunandtheZydecoMasters.ThebandbringsthevibrantsoundsofLouisianazydecoto the stage, creating a festive atmosphere that honors culture, heritage, and the spirit of celebration.
The final concert of the season will take place on August 15 with a Back to School Bash featuring Suede. This event gives families one more chance to celebrate summer as students head back to the classroom, with great music and plenty of activities for all ages.
Each Sounds of Navasota concert is designed to be a family-friendly community event. Throughouttheevening,kidscanenjoyavarietyofactivities,includingwaterslides,face painting,andotherfunattractions,whileparentsandfriendsrelaxandenjoythemusic.A lineupoflocalfoodtruckswillalsobeonsite,offeringavarietyoffoodandrefreshments forattendees.
Events like Sounds of Navasota highlight what makes Navasota such a special place to live and visit. The concert series brings neighbors together, supports local vendors, and createsmemorablesummernightsfilledwithmusicandlaughter.
Residents are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, gather with friends and family, and enjoythreeunforgettableeveningsoflivemusicasthecommunitycelebratessummerat SoundsofNavasota.
WE WANT YOU ON OUR SUMMER CREW!
The City of Navasota is now hiring lifeguards for the upcoming summer pool season, offeringagreat opportunityfor individualswhoenjoyworkingoutdoors andservingthecommunity.Lifeguardsplayanimportantroleinhelpingensure asafeandfunenvironmentforfamiliesandvisitorsattheCitypoolthroughout thesummermonths.
Those interested in joining the team are invited to attend a Lifeguard RecruitmentDayonApril30from4:00to6:00PMattheNavasotaPublicLibrary. City staff will be available to answer questions about the position, hiring process,andcertificationrequirements.Thisisagreatopportunityforstudents, summer job seekers, and anyone interested in gaining valuable work experience.
Applications are now being accepted online at NavasotaTX.gov/jobs. Those interestedareencouragedtoapplyandlearnmoreaboutbecomingpartofthe City’ssummerteam.
OAKLAND CEMETERY RECEIVES HISTORIC DESIGNATION HONORING NAVASOTA’S PAST
One of the most historic landmarks in Navasota has recently received special recognition for its role in preserving the community’s heritage. Oakland Cemetery has officially been designated as a historic site, highlighting the cemetery’s deep connectiontotheearlyhistoryanddevelopmentofNavasotaandGrimesCounty.
Established in the 1800s, Oakland Cemetery has long served as the final resting place for generations of residents who helped shape the community. The cemetery reflects the rich and diverse history of Navasota, telling the stories of families, civic leaders, veterans, and community members whose lives and contributionshelpedbuildthetownweknowtoday.Walkingthroughthecemetery provides a glimpse into the past, with historic markers, unique gravestones, and familyplotsthatspanmorethanacenturyoflocalhistory.
Among those laid to rest at Oakland Cemetery are individuals whose influence extended well beyond the Navasota area. One of the most notable is Mance Lipscomb, a legendary blues musician who became internationally recognized for hispowerfulguitarplayingandstorytellingthroughmusic.BorninnearbyNavasota in 1895, Lipscomb spent much of his life working as a sharecropper while playing musicatlocalgatheringsandcommunityevents.Histalentwaslaterdiscoveredby folklorists in the 1960s, launching a recording career that introduced his music to audiencesaroundtheworld.Today,heremainsoneofthemostinfluentialfiguresin Texasbluesandfolkmusichistory.
In addition to notable figures like Lipscomb, Oakland Cemetery also honors many early settlers, community leaders, and military veterans who served the country across multiple generations. Their stories reflect the growth of Navasota from a small railroad town into a thriving community. The cemetery serves not only as a place of remembrance but also as a historical record of the people who contributedtothearea’scultural,economic,andcivicdevelopment.
To celebrate this historic designation, the City of Navasota will host a Historical Marker dedication ceremony. The City will announce the official date once it is finalized,invitingresidentsandvisitorstojoininhonoringthecemetery’slegacyand thestoriesofthosewhorestthere.
Historic cemeteries like Oakland play an important role in preserving community identity. They provide opportunities for residents to connect with the past, learn aboutlocalhistory,andreflectontheindividualswhohelpedshapethecommunity. TherecenthistoricdesignationhelpsensurethatOaklandCemeterywillcontinueto bepreservedandmaintainedforfuturegenerations.
The City of Navasota encourages residents to visit the site, explore its rich history, andjoinintheupcomingdedicationceremonytocelebratethisimportantpieceof thecommunity’sheritage.
In Texas, a historical designation and marker recognize a site’s significance to the state’s heritage, highlighting its cultural, architectural, or historical importance. These markers help preserve the site for future generations, educate the public about local history, and honor individuals or events that shaped the community. Receivingsuchadesignationalsooftenincreasesawarenessandprotectionofthe site,ensuringthatitsstoriesandcontributionsremainavisibleandcelebratedpart ofTexashistory.
SEVEREWEATHERSAFETY BEINGPREPAREDINNAVASOTA
LivinginTexasmeansexperiencingawiderangeofweatherconditionsthroughouttheyear. Fromstrongthunderstormsandlightningtohighwinds,flooding,andeventornadoes,severe weather can develop quickly across our region. For residents of Navasota, being prepared and staying informed can make all the difference when severe weather threatens our community
Severe weather can cause property damage, disrupt power and travel, and in some cases lead to serious injuries. Taking a few simple steps ahead of time can help protect you, your family,andyourneighbors.Understandinghowsevereweatheralertswork,knowingwhereto seekshelter,andstayingawareofchangingconditionsareallkeypartsofbeingprepared.
STAYINFORMED&SIGNUPFORALERTS
One of the most important things residents can do during severe weather is stay informed. Weather conditions in Texas can change rapidly, and early warnings help provide valuable timetotakeaction.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for NavNotify, the City’s official emergency notification system.NavNotifydeliversimportantalertsdirectlytoresidentsbyphonecall,textmessage, oremail,helpingensureyoureceivetimelyinformationaboutsevereweather,emergencies, andotherimportantcommunityupdates.
It is also important to understand the difference between a watch and a warning. A watch means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop. During a watch, residents should stay alert and be prepared to act if conditions worsen. A warning, on the other hand, means severe weather has been spotted or detected by radar and is either happening or about to occur. When a warning is issued, residents should take shelter immediatelyandfollowsafetyguidancefromlocalofficials.
SEVEREWEATHERSAFETYTIPS
WhenseverestormsmoveintotheNavasotaarea,thesafestplacetobeisindoors Residents shouldmovetothelowestlevelofasturdybuildingandtakeshelterinaninteriorroomaway from windows and exterior walls. Bathrooms, closets, and interior hallways often provide the best protection during high winds or tornadoes. If you are outside and severe weather develops quickly, seek shelter in the nearest building. Avoid bridges and overpasses, which canbecomeespeciallydangerousduringhighwinds.
ThunderstormsarecommonacrossTexas,especiallyduringthespringandsummermonths. If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to be dangerous. The safest action is to go indoors immediately. If a building is not available, a hard-topped vehicle with the windows rolledupcanprovideprotection.Afterthestormpasses,waitatleast30minutesafterthelast soundofthunderbeforereturningoutside.
Flooding is another serious hazard during heavy storms. Residents should never attempt to walk,swim,ordrivethroughfloodwaters.Justsixinchesofmovingwatercanknockaperson off their feet, and about twelve inches can carry away a vehicle. If you encounter a flooded roadway,remembertheimportantsafetymessage:TurnAround,Don’tDrown.
PREPARINGYOURHOUSEHOLD
Preparingaheadoftimecanhelpreducestressandconfusionduringsevereweatherevents. Families should consider creating a simple emergency plan that includes where to take shelterinthehome,howfamilymemberswillcommunicateifseparated,andwheretomeetif evacuationbecomesnecessary.
Residents may also want to prepare a small emergency kit that includes items such as flashlights, extra batteries, bottled water, basic first aid supplies, and a portable phone charger.
ACOMMUNITYEFFORT
Severe weather preparedness is not only about individual safety but also about community awareness By staying informed, helping neighbors who may need assistance, and following guidance from local officials, residents can help keep the entire community safer during storms.
As we move into the spring and summer storm season, the City of Navasota encourages residentstoreviewtheirsevereweatherplansandsignupforNavNotifytoensuretheyreceive timely alerts A little preparation today can make a big difference when severe weather arrives.
Staying aware, staying informed, and taking action when warnings are issued helps keep Navasotastrong,resilient,andreadyforwhatevertheweathermaybring.
EMERGENCIESHAPPEN GET NAVNOTIFY
REGISTER TODAY
WHAT IS NAVNOTIFY?
NavNotify is the City of Navasota’s official notification system that keeps you informed about emergencies, city alerts, and local events. Sign up to get updates by text, email, or phone - your way, right when you need them.
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navasota fire department
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