64 THE COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE • Early Summer 2018 TheCoastalBend.com Art & Entertainment Independence Day is a big deal in the Texas Coastal Bend, marking the peak of the summer season in a place where fun on the water and at the beach are at the center of our way of life. While fireworks are prohibited in Corpus Christi and within most city limits, a number of public displays take place throughout the area. The Downtown Corpus Christi Bayfront is the site of the region’s largest fireworks show, and can be viewed from all perspectives on the Shoreline Blvd. seawall and North Beach. Special viewing events will be hosted by the Texas State Aquarium, the USS Lexington Museum and Pier 99 Restaurant. In Port Aransas, Roberts Point Park on the ship channel is the center of July 4th activi- ties, including the city’s free fireworks show. The luckiest revelers will enjoy the show from private and chartered boats moored in the channel. Fireworks shows over the bay take place in San Patricio County as well, typically in Portland at Indian Point Park, and at Ingleside-by-the Bay. COASTAL BEND 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS PRO BASEBALL ON THE BAYFRONT The Corpus Christi Hooks are the AA affiliate of the World Series Champion Houston Astros, playing in the Texas League. The team has introduced a num- ber of Major League stars to professional baseball, like Hunter Pence, outfielder for the former world champions San Francisco Giants and is where new stars are born. CCHooks.com Coastal Bend Sports FOOD TRUCK SUMMERFEST Saturday July 7th—Waters Edge Park on the beautiful Corpus Christi Bayfront will be the site of the 3rd Annual Food Truck Summerfest, which will feature a wide and delicious variety of culinary creations from dozens of area food trucks. Live music, arts and crafts vendors, a super fun kids zone, and eating contests will complete a great day of family fun. Last year’s event was a sell-out of space and food, so this year’s Food Truck Summerfest will be geared up to serve more folks than ever! FoodTruckFestivalCC.com Food Festival