Yearning for simpler, happier times? Granbury's "Hometown America" July 4th celebration proves you can go home again.

The small Hood County town, just minutes from the bustling Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, is touted as a top destination for its Victorian town center, voted "best town square in Texas" by Texas Monthly readers and credited as the model for the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Main Street Program. But add the shimmering Lake Granbury, friendly residents and family-oriented activities amid the rich historic setting, and it's easy to understand why the burg's family-friendly, patriotic July 4th celebration, hosted by the Granbury Chamber of Commerce and legions of dedicated volunteers, is considered one of the best in the state.

"Last year, we flew in our three grandchildren and their mom from Oregon--just for the 4th of July," says MaryAnn Moore, a resident of nearby DeCordova. "The event made memories for the whole family. They loved it."

The three-day event features lots of free activities: handmade arts and crafts on the square, a car show, bike and trike contest, old-fashioned sack races and egg tosses in the park, live entertainment, and more, highlighted by Granbury's renowned theater shows and a rodeo offer more pleasure at reasonable ticket prices.

This year's theme, "Hometown America," reflects the actual spirit of the Granbury community, says Mike Scott, President and CEO of the Granbury Chamber of Commerce. "This celebration is family-friendly. Kids love it. For less than the cost of a tank of gas, people can enjoy the feeling of coming home and remembering what is so great about small town America."

Moore and her husband traveled the nation--"checklist in hand"--seeking an idyllic hometown before discovering and moving to the Granbury area four years ago. "We've noticed two things about the 4th of July," she says. "People can leave their lawn chairs and they'll be there when they get back, and the town is clean when it's all over."

Each year, banker Kevin Downing rises in the wee morning hours to line up the parade entrants. For the last three or four years, daughter Peyton, 15, has volunteered too. "It's a lot of fun," she says. "The atmosphere is like a homecoming game. Last year, I asked my daughter, "Would you rather be at home in bed, or out in the middle of all this?" She said 'I'd rather be here."

Granbury's 4th of July celebration creates such a great family atmosphere, Downing adds, that his extended family of 40 gathers at his home to make America's birthday. "They come in from Wichita Falls, Dallas and Abilene," he says. "We cook out, go the the parade, and then go watch the great fireworks show. It's one of the few places that you can go where there are a ton of people, but it doesn't feel like it. Everyone's friendly."

The Independence Day atmosphere is uplifting, Moore says. "When the parade passes by, people in the crowd place their hands over their hearts. There's applause and enthusiasm--the ambience makes it really special. It makes you proud of your country."

www.granburychamber.com