Good morning, Longview.

Longview celebrated America’s 250th birthday Saturday at the Convention Complex with a patriotic car show, children’s activities, food vendors, and performances by Theatre Longview, ArtsView Children’s Theatre, the Longview Symphony Orchestra, and the Peterson Brothers.

The celebration ended with the biggest fireworks display in East Texas.

Children at the Longview Museum of Fine Arts learned portrait drawing and created self-portraits during a four-day summer class that ended with a family art show.

Registration and class details are available online (see lmfa.org).

Union Pacific Railroad’s UP CARES program provided a safety demonstration last Saturday at Safety City on Cotton Street, teaching children and families important railroad crossing safety tips using a live display of a trailer with a working horn and bell — the event was hosted by Let’s Grow Kids Clinic.

Bass fishermen are trying a new urchin lure, a soft plastic bait with floating tentacles that is flying off shelves (about $15 each) since its debut on Sunday, July 5.

Local tackle shops report strong interest as anglers explore different rigging methods.

The Blue Bell/TSWA Class 4A All-State Softball Team for 2026 was announced after TSWA members reviewed nominations from coaches and sportswriters, with Coach Julie Murry earning Coach of the Year and Bayleigh Taylor tying with Brooklyn Brannen for Player of the Year.

The Piney Woods TimberHogs split a doubleheader on Saturday, July 4 in Beaumont by winning 15-3 in the opener and losing 4-2 in the second game.

The team will visit Nacogdoches on July 7-9 and host home games from July 10-12.

East Texas Comic Con Year 3

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Longview Exhibit Center — Tickets available soon — Celebrate fandom with special guests, vendors, panels, and cosplay.

Longview Kennel Club Dog Show

July 24-26 — Longview Kennel Club — Spectators welcome — Experience top-notch canine competition with the finest purebred Labrador Retrievers in a prestigious show.

Longview Kennel Club AKC Dog Show

8 AM - 5 PM — Maude Cobb Convention Center — Entry information not specified — Attend the All Breed Show showcasing the best dog breeds in the region.

Ninja 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon

8:00 a.m. — Paul Boorman Trail Park — Registration required — Sprint through scenic trails in a race designed for all fitness levels.