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This year the city of DeSoto hosted the annual Fourth of July celebration at Grimes Park as residents from Lancaster and DeSoto came together for a memorable experience.

More than 13,000 residents from the Best Southwest Cities of DeSoto and Lancaster came together on a sweltering July 4th at DeSoto’s Grimes Park for a joint Independence Day celebration.

The celebration is a cherished tradition that has united the communities for over a decade.

Despite the extreme heat, families and friends gathered in high spirits, participating in an array of festive activities.

The event featured live music from funk and soul legends the Bar-Kays, violin virtuoso Dominique Hammons, the Natural Change Band, and the GoGo Band.

 The event also catered to foodies with food vendors, and a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the night sky, embodying the patriotic spirit of the holiday.

This annual event, alternately hosted by DeSoto and Lancaster, has become a cornerstone of the local communities’ summer festivities.

Residents from both cities eagerly anticipate the celebration each year, coming together to honor the nation’s independence and enjoy a day of camaraderie and fun.

“The bond between our cities and our residents is real and we always look forward to coming together on the Fourth of July with our dear friends from Lancaster to celebrate this wonderful holiday and our deep friendship,” said Rachel L. Proctor, Mayor of the City of DeSoto.

The day’s activities kicked off with a parade featuring local bands, community groups, and decorated floats.

Throughout the afternoon, attendees enjoyed games and contests, while cooling stations provided relief from the intense heat.

“We love to playfully tease each other about whose city has more excitement, but when the Fourth of July rolls around, all that friendly rivalry melts away. We gather together like one big, joyful family, basking in the warmth of each other’s company, said Clyde C. Hairston, Mayor of Lancaster.

“The laughter, shared stories, and the feeling of unity remind us how wonderful it is to come

A lithium battery storage facility could soon call DeSoto its home, but the proposed location has many residents in an uproar.

The Emerald Hill Energy Storage project is designed to store 250 megawatts of energy and is proposed to be located in DeSoto.

If approved, the proposal will place a lithium-ion energy storage facility near DeSoto High School and neighboring residential areas.

“This project would be located at southwest Westmoreland Rd. and Eagle Drive, it would be across the street from the high school,” said Alex Rohr, Manager of Community Affairs for Vesper Energy.  

“The reason that we’re in that area is because of that very large transmission line running through the area. We want to be close to that and that is generally what’s best to support grid reliability.”

Rohr spoke with The DeSoto Tribune and further explained that they also look at where there is available land, market demand, and proximity to major electrical infrastructure.

Safety Concerns:

As discussions surrounding the facility’s location continue, safety remains a top priority and concern for residents in the area and the city.

Lithium-ion Batteries can experience a Thermal Runaway Event, a phenomenon in which the lithium-ion cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state, according to the Underwriters Laboratories Research Institute (UL Research Institute).

It refers to a self-sustaining, exothermic reaction within a battery that leads to a rapid increase in temperature and pressure which can result in a battery emitting toxic gasses, catching fire, or even exploding, according to Pyrophobic.com.

Storage for the lithium-ion batteries will be housed in special containers that must meet strict safety regulations, tests, and standards, including UL9540, UL 9540A, and NFPA 855.

The facility will also consist of a buffer, tree coverage, and a brick façade.

“We are planning a 50-foot-deep vegetative buffer along the northern boundary as well as a 25-foot-deep vegetative buffer on the eastern boundary,” said Rohr.

“Both would maintain and enhance the existing tree coverage along each border. There would also be a 6-8 foot brick façade around the battery storage containers,” explained Rohr.

Rohr went on to explain that the property would also maintain the existing walking path through the area and construct a sidewalk on the eastern boundary to help meet DeSoto’s goals of a more walkable community.

Community Outreach and Opposition:

The Irving-based company Vesper Energy has not yet submitted an application to the city but has been conducting community outreach to gauge public interest.

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As the Fourth of July quickly approaches, The DeSoto Tribune would like to wish everyone in the city of DeSoto and the Best Southwest area a happy and safe Independence Day.

Families across the state are gearing up to celebrate Independence Day with festive celebrations and delicious food.

Barbecues, parades, fireworks, and family gatherings mark the day, commemorating the 248th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

In cities and towns from coast to coast, residents adorned in red, white, and blue will gather for a day filled with traditional and heartfelt celebrations.

In the spirit of unity and community, the cities of DeSoto and Lancaster are hosting a grand Fourth of July Fireworks Show at Grimes Park.

This free event, running from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., promises to be a highlight of the summer.

Gates will open at 5:00 p.m., allowing families to secure their spots early for an evening of patriotic celebration and entertainment.

The event will feature an impressive lineup of live performances, headlined by The Bar-Kays featuring Larry Dodson.

Additional acts include the Natural Change Band, Dominique Hammons, and the GoGo Band, ensuring a vibrant and energetic atmosphere throughout the evening.

Children’s activities, games for all ages, and a variety of food vendors will add to the festive environment, providing something for everyone to enjoy.

As the day transitions into night, the excitement will build for the main event: a spectacular fireworks display set to begin at dusk.

The DeSoto and Lancaster communities, along with visitors from surrounding areas, are invited to join in the celebration at Grimes Park.

This event is an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s history and the values of freedom, democracy, and unity while enjoying the company of neighbors, friends, and family.

The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate the American spirit and the enduring principles upon which the nation was founded.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, July 4
• Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.)
• Location: Grimes Park, DeSoto, TX
• Performers: The Bar-Kays featuring Larry Dodson, Natural Change Band, Dominique Hammons, GoGo Band
• Activities: Children’s activities, games for all ages, food vendors
• Fireworks: Display begins at dusk

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