07/05/2026
🇺🇸 We were ready to celebrate like it was 1776… but Mother Nature apparently decided to put on her own fireworks show instead! ⛈️
While last night’s Longview Symphony Fourth of July Concert was unfortunately rained out by a sudden and spectacular thunderstorm, the evening still gave us plenty to celebrate. Looking through these photos, it’s impossible not to smile at the sight of so many patriotic attendees… soaked to the bone, yet grinning from ear to ear and making the best of an unforgettable evening!
❤️ A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful sponsors: the City of Longview, Texas Commission on the Arts, and the Rotary Club of Longview. Your support makes events like this possible.
🤍 To the many people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make this celebration a success, rain or shine, thank you! Special appreciation goes to G*i Bennett, Shawn Hara, and Dietrich Johnson for all they do.
💙 To Maestro Greg Grabowski and our incredible Longview Symphony Orchestra: the stage was set, the music was ready, and your enthusiasm and patriotism were inspiring. Even though the concert wasn’t meant to be, your dedication did not go unnoticed.
🇺🇸 A huge salute to our Red, White & Blue Volunteer Crew, who sprang into action the moment the skies opened up: Jason Robbins, Paul Roberts, Suzanne Tuma, AnnaMarie Cowart, Kevin Richardson, Jerrad Parson, Mark & Jamie Robinson, and Darren Groce. Watching you clear the stage in a downpour was nothing short of heroic!
🎤 And a special thank you to Paul Guidroz, who stood ready to take the stage like the President in Independence Day. Even as the rain poured down backstage, he delivered his remarks with passion and heart, reminding us why this day matters and why we gather each year to celebrate it.
Sure, we left a little wetter than planned. But we also left reminded of something important: yesterday wasn’t really about the music. It was about community, friendship, patriotism, and coming together to celebrate the nation we love.
Happy Independence Day, Longview! ❤️🤍💙
