After years of planning, construction, and working under a quickly-approaching hard deadline, the Karnes City Park will be open and available to the public this Saturday, June 30.

Ceremonies are set to take place at 10 a.m. Saturday to honor contributors and volunteers, as well as to celebrate the hard work of everyone involved in the project over the years.

"Another page in the history of Karnes City is being written," Karnes City Mayor Don Tymrak said. "This project has been years in the making and would not have been possible without the unwavering support and financial assistance of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department."

Organizers report that over 200 people attended the annual Kenedy Chamber of Commerce Banquet on June 15 at the Ruhman Franklin Civic Center.

The theme for this year’s banquet was "Ole West" and several awards and special recognitions were presented.

Walter "Trey" Hill was presented the award for "Citizen of the Year."

H.E.B. was presented with the "Outstanding Business Award."

South Texas Implement was presented with the "Outstanding Agriculture Award."

Katherine and Ed Farris were presented with the "Outstanding Tourism Award" in recognition of the restoration of the old downtown bank building and national television publicity as a result of the project.

Runge will celebrate Independence Day June 30 this year with a downtown morning parade, midday barbecue meal, and an evening ceremony honoring veterans just before the fireworks show at Lake Paul Park in Runge.

The parade will run through downtown Runge starting at 10 a.m. and will be immediately followed by the barbecue meal at the Runge VFW Hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Runge also will offer many other activities at the VFW hall between the morning and evening celebrations, including a raffle, silent auction, arts and crafts, food booths, volleyball and horseshoe tournaments, games, and music.

Runge VFW members are asking veterans of all wars to step forward and be recognized at the evening ceremony, which starts at 8 p.m. at the baseball field next to the VFW hall.