July Fourth event cancelled at Raymond Rimkus Park in Leon Valley

Storms, threaten of flooding, lightning force cancellation

SAN ANTONIOUpdate at 4:58 p.m.:

Storms on Wednesday afternoon forced the cancelation of the Fourth of July event at Raymond Rimkus Park in Leon Valley.

The park was evacuated due to the area being prone to flooding and lightning being detected six-tenths of a mile away.

"What happens is that the creek floods really fast. We're trying to get everybody out of here before our creek rises and we're not able to get folks out," Leon Valley City Manager Kelly Kuenstler said.

Kuenstler said the event will be rescheduled at a later date.

Original story:

It's the Fourth of July and Leon Valley is celebrating. Wednesday is the day to celebrate the red, white and blue.

Leon Valley is holding festivities all day at Raymond Rinkus Park, including fireworks, a parade and even a 5K run.

The day kicks off at 7:30 a.m. with the 5K run, and a parade will start at 9:30 a.m. KSAT 12's Fiona Gorostiza and Mike Osterhage are serving as grand marshals. 

It is the 24th year the city is hosting the event, which is once again expected to see thousands. Last year, more than 26,000 people attended the event and even more are expected this year, organizers say.

New for 2018 will be the first-ever soap box derby, which starts at 11 a.m. Activities will then continue with live music beginning at 6 p.m. and fireworks concluding at dusk.

The city of Leon Valley has a clear bag policy for the event. Read more below on what can and cannot be brought to the event:

The following bags will be permitted:

  • Small, one-compartment, clutch-sized purse no larger than 5.5 inches by 8.5 inches.
  • Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC purses and bags no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches in size.
  • Medically necessary bags and diaper bags after a proper inspection at the entry gate.

The following will not be permitted:

  • Coolers
  • Briefcases
  • Backpacks
  • Fanny packs
  • Cinch bags
  • Seat cushions
  • Luggage of any kind
  • Computer bags
  • Camera bags

About the Authors:

Ben Spicer is a digital journalist who works the early morning shift for KSAT.

Max Massey is the GMSA weekend anchor and a general assignments reporter. Max has been live at some of the biggest national stories out of Texas in recent years, including the Sutherland Springs shooting, Hurricane Harvey and the manhunt for the Austin bomber. Outside of work, Max follows politics and sports, especially Penn State, his alma mater.