Nissan of McKinney won first place in the parade! Cub Scout pack 303 won second place and Minutman Disaster Response won third place.

Disappointing firework display. The parade downtown was perfect and I have to say it appeared to be the best turnout I've seen from past 4th's. I talked to some local residents and also families that traveled from outside of McKinney. Truly a place to move to is what they said. My response, Amen! We did some shopping downtown but I was surprised to see so many local retail shops closed on the square. hmmm? Like thousands of others that afternoon, I packed some snacks, something to drink, pack the chairs and blanket and head out to the soccer fields early to enjoy the people watching, conversations with complete strangers that are in the festive mode, listen to the entertainment and play some catch or even bocci ball on the field. We positioned ourselves strategically so that we get to see the fireworks overhead and have a good B-line back to the car before the hour wait to get out. It's a ritual for many. And the funny thing is that in years past, everyone seems to have the best spot. Unfortunately, not this year. They made the band announce that the fireworks where going off behind us and that eveyone needed to turn around, you got to hear the disappointment from the crowd and you got to see the surprised looks on many faces. REALLY? Oh well, everyone seem to have adjusted after a bit. When they finally went off, for many on the field, it looked as if the fireworks where going off in Frisco. I think someone forgot to let the professionals know where the spectators and soccer fields where. People on the field began to grab their stuff, and get this, they began to plant themselves oout on the main street, outside the field. Not that seems a little unsafe as traffic was still moving. Many of us, got to see half the fireworks because the tree line was in the way. I bitched for a bit and then adjusted and got over it. But I felt bad for the family of 6 I sat next to from Addison and the elder couple visiting their grandkids because I didn't have as much stuff as they had to lug into the field. Talked to a couple this morning who told me they couldn't get into the field but sat out on the side of Alma road. They said they had the best seats in the house. Really, on the side of Alma? Thumbs up on parade and festivities but THUMB DOWN on the positioning of the fireworks. Just my .02 plus some.