Freedom Over Texas Celebration: A Volunteer’s Perspective

Families and friends relaxing and listening to various bands play at the Freedom Over Texas Celebration hosted at Eleanor Tinsley Park. This year’s celebration features Darius Rucker, the Eli Young Band, The Suffers and Brooke Eden. (Photo: Richard Carson)

One of Marilyn Crosby’s favorite parts of volunteering at the Freedom Over Texas celebration on Fourth of July is listening to the bands and watching everyone dance to the music.

“It’s like everyone can forget their problems for the day, and enjoy their friends and family and just appreciate the city of Houston,” she said. This year, Darius Rucker, the Eli Young Band, The Suffers and Brooke Eden will perform at the celebration at Eleanor Tinsley Park. 

Marilyn has volunteered with the City of Houston since 2005. She came to hear about the Freedom Over Texas celebration through her community liaison, Melissa Tatum.

As a volunteer at the Freedom Over Texas event, Marilyn does a number of things to help out such as putting up signs, manning stations, and assisting the public with whatever they need. 

Freedom Over Texas will include a spectacular fireworks display, choreographed to music. (Photo: Richard Carson)

“I believe everyone should volunteer. It’s fun and it’s versatile. Whether you volunteer inside or outside, you should volunteer no matter what. It’s the best way to give back to an organization you feel passionate about.”

The Freedom Over Texas celebration attracts more than 40,000 Houston residents and attendance has grown every year and people of all ages attend.

When she’s not volunteering, Marilyn’s July 4th traditions include family reunions. Every so often she will go to Mississippi to spend time with her family. But if her relatives are in town she’ll have them join her to volunteer at the Freedom Over Texas celebration.

“I think Freedom Over Texas is popular because it offers such a variety of activities. Our staff is aware they have a variety of people and they try and meet all their wants and needs. It brings the community together,” she said.

Interested in volunteering at the Freedom Over Texas celebration this year? See more details and sign up here.