NEDERLAND — Families gathered on blankets and under canopies eating picnic-style snacks while children played nearby as they celebrated the nation’s 240^th birthday on Monday at Doornbos Park.

The crowds started to fill the park around 4 p.m. and by 7 p.m. there were upwards of 500 people with more expected for the 9 p.m. fireworks show.

“We come every year,” Mike Garrison said from his lawn chair near the tennis court area. “It’s great.”

Garrison and wife Katy were joined by Pat Williams and Michael Trahan who all felt they had the best seat in the park with a view of the fireworks area that was not too crowded.

Patsy and Robert Wagner took time to take photos near a field of American flags honoring the sacrifices and services of military persons.

“We think it’s wonderful,” Patsy Wagner said of the event. “I think it’s the neatest thing. It’s a real small community type celebration.”

Julie and Greg Smithy sat on a blanket with granddaughter Zaidey Cruz, 5, who was dressed in red, white and blue.

“This is our second time to come to this and it’s a little bigger than last year,” Julie Smithy said. “Each year it grow a little it bigger. I think eventually this will be a big thing.”

Visitors to the park had various ways to spend the time before the main event — there was a small train with several cars that drove up and down a sidewalk near the swing sets, food and drink booths were open, there was a bouncy house for children, the city’s pool was open and there was a wagon and bike parade.

Mary Meaux: 409-721-2429

Twitter: @MaryMeauxPANews